OXFORD United have signed experienced winger Yanic Wildschut on a two-year deal. 

The Suriname international arrives from Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia for an undisclosed fee. 

Wildschut is United’s third signing this week, following Stuart Findlay and Ed McGinty through the doors as the club’s transfer window clicks into gear. 

The 30-year-old is thrilled to be back in English football, having played for a host of Sky Bet Championship clubs between 2014 and 2019. 

“I left three years ago and I’d played five years in England, so it was a big part of my career and my life,” he said. 

“I’ve been around a little bit so it feels like coming home. 

“The style of play in England suits me and is a big part of why I wanted to come back. 

“I’m now 30 and I want to play at the highest level I can. 

“I’ve been away from England three years and now I’m back, I’m ready to show everyone again that I’m the Yanic from before.”

He added: “When I spoke to the coach and the owner on their plans for the season it was an easy decision to join. 

“I’ve looked at the last few years and they’ve been close, just not got over the line. 

“This is why I came here, to hopefully get the club where they want to go, in the Championship.” 

United are the 11th club of Wildschut’s storied career, which has taken him to teams in four countries. 

Born in Amsterdam, he was briefly in Ajax’s youth system and played for VVV Venlo, Heerenveen and ADO Den Hag in the Eredivisie. 

The wide man gained ten caps for the Netherlands Under 21s and first came to England aged 22, joining Middlesbrough in September 2014. 

He found game-time limited at the Riverside Stadium and joined Wigan Athletic on loan in October 2015, with his displays earning a permanent move the following January. 

Wildschut scored 14 goals in 65 matches and joined Norwich City in January 2017 for a fee reportedly in the region of £7million. 

He played just 29 games in two and a half years and was sent on loan to Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers, before going to Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa in summer 2019. 

Wildschut joined CSKA Sofia 12 months ago and made his Suriname debut in March, scoring his first goal in a 3-1 defeat to Jamaica last month. 

He said: “I played three games over the summer break when we had the Nations League, and then I had some time off. I played two half games in pre-season and that was it. 

“I’m fit, I’m not match fit yet – I’ll work hard to make sure I’m ready.” 

United are lacking options in Wildschut’s position, with Marcus Browne and trialist Jodi Jones the only senior wingers at the club. 

He said: “I prefer to play on the left and I think I’m quite fast and strong. I like to have 1-v-1s and to create chances, score some goals and get some assists. 

“This is what I hope to contribute on the pitch, and off the pitch, guide some of the younger players who are just coming through or people who are struggling. 

“I’ve had the experience of playing at these levels. 

“Where I can be important to the team, I will do my best to do that.”