Oxford began the month with their eighth signing of the summer after Max Woltman put pen to paper on a long term deal. The 19-year-old joined the U’s for an undisclosed fee from Liverpool.
The U’s then took to the field for the first competitive match of the season but it ended in defeat at Cambridge. The hosts led 2-0 inside the opening half an hour and Liam Manning’s side were unable to get themselves back into the game, despite ending the match with 70 per cent possession.
Oxford were then linked with Crystal Palace striker, John-Kymani Gordo. Burton, Fleetwood, Bradford and Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek were also showing interest in the 20-year-old.
Back to matters on the pitch and the U’s were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the first round with a heavy defeat at Bristol City. The hosts took the head but Oxford levelled through Billy Bodin. However, goals either side of the break for the Robins killed off the contest before adding a further two in the second half.
Midfielder Cameron Brannagan was then linked with a move to Bristol City. This came after the Robins sold Alex Scott to Bournemouth in a deal worth £25 million.
Oxford then began their winning run with victory in their first home match against Carlisle. It was a nervy affair given the opening two results but a late strike from Mark Harris was enough to earn the points.
Harris was at the double shortly after as he netted a brace in an away win over Derby. The Welshman netted two brilliant goals at Pride Park and, despite a late consolation for the hosts, Oxford were worthy of their win.
It was also the case in their next match which came on the road at Barnsley. Brannagan opened the scoring from the spot before an own goal doubled the U’s lead following some good work from Stanley Mills. The Tykes did reduce the defect but Tyler Goodrham added a third late on.
After coming in for the injured Jordan Thorniley, young defender Stephan Negru then attracted interest from Premier League club, Brighton. The Seagulls has reportedly sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old, who had impressed in his recent displays.
Greg Leigh then became the club’s ninth arrival of the summer after penning a deal from Ipswich. The left-back was highly thought of at Portman Road but with Leif Davis and the arrival of Brandon Williams from Manchester United, the Jamaica international had fallen down the pecking order.
The U’s then reignited their interest in Fleetwood striker, Jack Marriott. The club had previously seen a £400,000 bid rejected but reports suggested Oxford had tabled a new bid of half a million pounds for the 28-year-old.
Sticking with transfer rumours, news then emerged that Hull winger Ryan Longman was of interest to the U’s. The 22-year-old has plenty of Championship experience and would be needed after Marcus Browne picked up an injury in the win at Barnsley.
Sonny Perkins was the next player to be linked with the Leeds United forward given the “set to sign” by the Athletic’s Phil Hay. The 19-year-old joined from West Ham and his highly thought of at Elland Road. However, the move was announced later that day.
Back to the games and Oxford ended the month with a fourth successive win for the first time since January 2021. A Tyler Goodrham brace earned the U’s a 2-1 win over Charlton at Grenoble Road.
Long-serving goalkeeper Simon Eastwood then penned a new deal, keeping him at the club until 2025. The 34-year-old joined the U’s in 2016.
Shortly after Eastwood, Gatlin O’Donkor was the next U’s player to commit their future to the club. The 18-year-old, who became the club’s youngest-ever player when he turned out in the Football League Trophy in 2020, scored twice for Oxford last season.
