Ole Romeny and Nik Prelec have both left Oxford United, just one day after the club were placed on a transfer embargo.
Romeny has returned to the Netherlands and joined Fortuna Sittard on loan with an option to make it permanent, while Prelec has moved to Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok for an undisclosed fee.
Read More: Oxford United Transfer Embargo Explained
Oxford United Duo Depart Despite Transfer Embargo
Both Struggled to Make an Impact
Romeny, who became an Indonesian international during his time at the club, joined the U’s for what was then a club record fee. The 26-year-old managed just one goal in 32 appearances.
As for Prelec, he arrived on loan from Cagliari last summer, but the club had an option to buy, which they later activated. However, he struggled with injuries during the campaign and managed just one goal in 25 outings.
Shortage in Attack
With the duo leaving, Aaron Ramsey is left with former Wales teammate Mark Harris and academy graduate Gatlin O’Donkor.
Harris did hit 19 goals when the U’s won promotion from League One in 2024, but O’Donkor has spent time on loan at Barnet and Bristol Rovers in the past two seasons.
Now, with the club in a transfer embargo, the U’s will be unable to sign any new players until the January transfer window opens.
Ramsey May Rely on Youth
Having brought in Chris Gunter and Tom Hutton as part of his backroom staff, there is a good emphasis on youth development.
Gunter arrives having led Wales’ Under-19 side at this summer’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship while Hutton, who is regarded as one of Wales’ brightest coaches, joined after leading Cardiff City’s Under-18 side.
With a lack of depth, the trio may have to look to the youth team and fast-track them into first-team contention.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / NurPhoto
