Following the release of Toni Martinez from West Ham United this summer, should Oxford United look to re-sign the 21-year-old who had previously spent time on loan at the Kassam Stadium?
The former Spain Under 17, 18 and 19 international spent three seasons in East London following his arrival from Valencia Mestalla, but spent time away on loan at four clubs, including the U’s.
His time at the Kassam was relatively successful. He joined the club in January 2017, just six months after the club won promotion to League One.
Manager, Michael Appleton, saw potential in the then 19-year-old, gave the Spaniard some important game time for the club.
Martinez scored his first goal for the club after coming a substitute in the U’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle United. He also netted in the next round too, a 3-2 defeat at Middleborough in the fifth round of the competition. But his goal completed an incredible comeback after going two goals down to pull in level after Chris Maguire scored one minute earlier.
His only league goal came in a 3-2 defeat against league leaders, Sheffield United, but he certainly impressed during his seventeen appearances for the club. He made his debut in the U’s 2-1 victory over rivals, Swindon Town, in which Rob Hall netted a screamer to make it seven wins in a row against their rivals.
Pacey, energetic and with an eye for goal, Martinez was an exciting player for the Oxford fans.
But his goalscoring record since his departure from Oxford hasn’t been prolific. He scored one in eleven appearances for Rayo Valladolid, two from eighteen at Rayo Majadahonda, and one in eleven at CD Lugo, all during loan spells at Segunda DivisÃon sides respectively.
But, with just Jamie Mackie as the club’s only natural striker, Karl Robinson can’t afford to be picky. I also believe his goalscoring record would improve playing in the system that Robinson plays. The U’s are blessed with some quality options in attack, and Martinez, who could also play out wide, may benefit from the service in attacking areas.
