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Double Swoop as Oxford Sign Indonesia International and Experienced Dutchman

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On Monday, Oxford United added another two additions with the arrival of Marselino Ferdinan and Hidde ter Avest.

Marselino, a 19-year-old Indonesian winger, joins the club on a free transfer while ter Avest, a 27-year-old right back, arrives following his exit from FC Utrecht.

Marselino has already turned out 26 times for the Indonesia national side, where he has netted three goals. He spent last season at Belgian side, KMSK Deinze, before departing in the summer.

Speaking after signing, he said: “I’m thrilled and still can’t believe I’m here. Being the first Indonesian-born player to play in the Championship if selected fills me with immense pride. I won’t take this opportunity for granted, and I’ll give 100 per cent to make the most of it.

“My message to everyone is to keep supporting the team and know that I’ll do my best to compete and represent this club.”

Des Buckingham said: “Marselino is a young exciting player. The games we have watched and reports of him from Asia are that he is one of the best young players coming through, so it’s an opportunity to have him in here and be a part of what we do.

“Having worked in Asia already, I know the depth of potential talent that can be unearthed there and I am looking forward to having him in the building to see how he progresses.

“Marselino has lots of attributes that we look for in a player and a person and we can see he has a real desire to want to improve and take this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, ter Avest spent the last three and a half years at Utrecht, following previous long-term spells with FC Twente and Udinese.

Speaking after signing for the club, he said: “I’m really excited to be here, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I spoke to the gaffer and to Ed and that conversation really attracted me to this place.

“They explained the way they play and it’s something that suits me really well and I’m looking forward to getting started with the lads.

“I have experienced a lot and I’m only 27 right now, so I feel like I can bring something to the group and help going forward.”

Buckingham added: “Hidde is a very strong personality and another wonderful addition to our group.

“He possesses so much in what we want from our full-backs. He is strong, quick, and has great technical ability and we are confident he will be an important player for us going forward.

“He has some excellent experience playing at high levels overseas and will bring different but vitally important qualities to complement our current group.”

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