As the January transfer window comes to a close, we take a look at Oxford United’s activity during the month.
Karl Robinson brought four new faces to the club, with another joining on a permanent basis, but also lost two key players on deadline day.
Nathan Holland
West Ham United youngster Nathan Holland was the first man through the doors, joining from the Hammer on loan.
The 21-year-old, who had been in fine form in the Premier League 2 by leading the assist charts with seven and scoring twelve goals from just thirteen games, was seeking regular football and Robinson was keen to add another winger to the squad, so the move suited both parties.
The winger has made four appearances since his arrival, but with his first-team fitness still coming up to speed, he could feature more regularly in the second half of the season and will hope to add goals and assists.
Liam Kelly
Less than an hour Oxford announced Holland, they also snapped up former Reading midfielder Liam Kelly on loan from Feyenoord.
The 24-year-old struggled for game time in Holland but was a key part of the Royals side that reached the Championship playoff final in 2017.
Although he is yet to feature this season, the midfielder is getting back to full fitness and could be another key player if the U’s are to a nice promotion from League One.
Marcus Browne
Just one day after the arrival of Holland and Kelly, Oxford announced the return of former loanee, Marcus Browne.
The 22-year-old, who scored nine goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for Robinson’s side while on loan from West Ham United, joined the club on loan from Middlesbrough.
In the summer, it looked like the winger could sign on a permanent basis but he opted for a move to the Championship outfit instead.
But since his return in January, Browne scored once from four appearances in all competitions and the winger is another that could boost the clubs promotion hopes.
Rob Atkinson
Just an hour after Browne arrived, Oxford announced the signing of highly-rated Eastleigh defender Rob Atkinson.
The former Fulham trainee signed a three and a half year deal but has been loaned back to the National League side until the summer.
Oxford faced stiff competition from a dozen clubs but won the signature of the 21-year-old, who is certainly one for the future.
George Thorne
Midway through the month, Oxford snapped up Derby County midfielder George Thorne on a permanent basis.
The 27-year-old had been on loan from the Rams for the first half of the season but injury had limited his playing time.
However, the midfielder decided to leave the Championship side by mutual consent and joined the U’s permanently.
Despite only playing a total of 62 minutes over three games, it’s another exciting signing by Robinson and on his day, could easily be the best midfielder in the division.
Rob Hall
Oxford United winger Rob Hall signed a one-year contract extension with the U’s before being loaned out to Forest Green Rovers.
The 26-year-old has had an injury-hit time since his return to the club in 2016, and regular football is something that Robinson was unable to guarantee to the wide-man.
The loan away suits both parties. Hall will play regular football while the contract extension gives the club room to manoeuvre if they look to sell him.
Hall made 24 appearances in all competitions and scored six goals, but has played a part largely due to other injuries in the squad.
Shandon Baptiste
Losing Shandon Baptiste is a bitter blow for Oxford, not just for the youngster’s talent but also the fee paid.
It had been reported that Brentford signed the 21-year-old, plus Tariqe Fosu, for £3 million. Many fans felt that the Grenada international was worth that alone, but the deal was done.
Having come through the Academy, Baptiste has been a key player despite numerous injuries. The midfielder had scored four goals and provided four assists as the U’s impressed this season.
Tariqe Fosu
Like Baptiste, Tariqe Fosu joined the promotion-chasing Brentford. It is believed that the 24-year-old had a £750,000 release clause in his contract, something which the Bees activated.
Fosu, who arrived from Charlton in the summer, scored ten goals for the U’s – more than he had managed in a single season while at the Addicks.
The winger has certainly impressed this season but had looked fatigued in recent weeks. Despite that, the departure is still a blow for the U’s.
