Oxford United defender Rob Atkinson has joined Championship club, Bristol City. The 22-year-old only played one season with the U’s after joining from Eastleigh in January 2020.
The young defender was loaned back to the Spitfires before making his debut for the club at the start of last season.
He turned out 44 times in all competitions, scoring twice, as the U’s ended their season losing out in the League One playoffs. He also made the League One Team of the Season.
The fee is undisclosed, but reports suggested that an offer of £1.4 million was rejected before the Robins returned with the asking price, which is believed to be £1.6 million.
Speaking to the club’s official website, U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “He did really well and we wish him good luck.
“It’s remarkable really- his league debut was at Lincoln on the first day of last season, and he got sent off! But he kept working hard, has a great attitude and we hope it goes well for him.
“We have consistently been able to recruit well this over the last few years in that position: Rob replaced Rob Dickie who took over from Curtis Nelson, all of them moving on to the Championship.
“We have players already in the building who will see this as their opportunity and we have plans in place and know where we need to further strengthen between now and the start of the season.”
