Sean Clare Joins Oxford United From Hearts
Soccer Football - Scottish FA Cup Semi Final - Heart of Midlothian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Britain - April 13, 2019 Hearts' Sean Clare scores their third goal from the penalty spot Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Oxford United have completed the signing of Sean Clare from Hearts for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old, who can play as a central midfielder and a right-back, becomes Karl Robinson’s third summer signing, and penned a contract until 2023.
It was only announced yesterday that the U’s were looking at signing the former Sheffield Wednesday man, and news broke last night that the 23-year-old had agreed on personal terms ahead of a proposed six-figure transfer fee.
It is believed that Robinson intends on playing Clare as a right-back, a position he had adopted during his time in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Clare said: “I wouldn’t put myself down as a defensive right back, but it’s a side of my game I can improve on.
“I’m definitely an attacking right back with the ability to score and create.”
The move brings the 23-year-old closer to his London home, and it was a factor when joining the club.
“Definitely,” he added. “I’ve seen the track record the club and the manager has in terms of getting players to develop and become better players all round.
“That’s what really sold it, the manager was really talking about improving me. It’s a club that is clearly ambitious and has a lot of good players.
“With the fact that the manager and staff want to make me better, it was a no-brainer.”
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, Clare added: “Oxford are a good club. They always play an exciting style of football which will hopefully suit the way I want to play.
“They went close to promotion last season but are adding good players to a very strong squad and I know they are very ambitious to keep pushing on from this position.
“I have stayed pretty fit over the last few months of lockdown but now it will be a case of keep building that up over pre-season, get to know the lads here, and try to play my part in helping the team go one better this time than last season.”
Clare follows Joel Cooper and Matty Taylor, who have also joined during the window.