In a surprise transfer twist, Matty Taylor has been sent out on loan to League One rivals, Port Vale.
The 32-year-old has struggled in front of goal this season, with just three in 22 appearances, but has been a revelation since his arrival from Bristol City in 2019, where he has netted 64 goals for his hometown club.
Speaking to the club’s official website, U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “Matty is a fantastic character and his record here speaks for itself. But for one reason or another, he hasn’t been his usual prolific self for us this season.
“We now have a number of options we want to look at in that position. We have just brought in two exciting young forwards, we have another coming through in Gatlin O’Donkor, we have Kyle Joseph, Billy Bodin is able to play centrally and Sam Baldock and Marcus Browne are coming back to fitness.
“Matty still has that appetite for goals that he has always had so hopefully the move works for all of us. He leaves with the respect and love of everyone at the club and I have absolutely no doubt that he will be back at some stage, in some capacity.”
Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer, added: “I have absolutely loved my time at Oxford and am so proud to have been there for two spells. It’s a club where I have a very special bond with the players, staff and fans and I wish them all nothing but the best.
“There are no hard feelings, it’s a football decision and one that I hope works for everyone. I am really excited to be linking up with Port Vale and can’t wait to get started.”
