Oxford United have made their first signing of the January transfer window after signing central defender Luke McNally from St Patrick’s Athletic.
The 21-year-old defender was linked with a move to the U’s at the start of the month and arrives on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The defender has been attracting plenty of interest from the English Football League, with Lincoln City and Ipswich Town among those who were also in the running.
St Pat’s had reportedly turned town bids of around 50k from the U’s and Lincoln, but the agreement is worth considerably more with the inclusion of performance-related bonuses
McNally played every minute for St Pat’s last season following a successful loan spell at Drogheda United. He returned to St Pat’s last season and played every minute for the club.
U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “He’s a good size, he uses the ball well and there were a lot of clubs interested so we are happy that he sees Oxford as a club where he can come over to England and hopefully continue to develop.
“He has been playing senior competitive football regularly and that has really helped him get used to the physical side of the game. He’s raw, perhaps, but he’s another we feel will go on and do really well for the club.”
McNally added: “It’s exciting to be joining a club like Oxford, especially with the run they are on at the moment.
“The facilities are great, I spoke with the manager and he was so impressive in the plans that this club has – that was a big part of my decision. I’ve come in, been made to feel very welcome and now I can’t wait to get started.”
