Oxford United have made their second deadline day signing with the arrival of Jay Matete.
The 22-year-old midfielder has joined the U’s on loan from Sunderland until the end of the season.
Matete joined the Black Cats from Fleetwood in 2022 and won promotion to the Championship. He also helped Plymouth gain promotion from League One after joining on loan last January.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“I have played against Oxford plenty of times and know they like to play the game the right way. They are in a strong position, have good players and a great set up. I can’t wait to get started.”
Des Buckingham added: “He has played a big part in both Sunderland and Plymouth doing well in this division, so he knows the league and what it takes to be successful in it.
“He is a very strong and powerful player who will bring additional strengths to our midfield.
“His ability to break play up and drive the team forward, along with a range of passing ability, will be important attributes to us between now and the end of the season.”
Head of Recruitment, Ed Waldron, added: “He’s a player we have admired for a while now.
“He has dominated games against us at times with his commitment and energy. He is combative, very competitive and a great character who we believe will make a real impact here.
“We have had a really good window, and this now covers all bases. We have signed Jamie Cumming, Joe Bennett, Jay Matete, Kyle Edwards, Tyler Burey, Owen Dale and Will Goodwin.
“There has been a lot of hard work involved and I’d like to thank the Board for backing us. With players also coming back from injury we look a lot stronger now than we did when the window opened – it’s going to be a very exciting end to the season.”
