KYLE Edwards has signed a deal with Oxford United until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old winger saw his Ipswich Town contract terminated by mutual consent on Thursday, after spending the first half of the season on loan with the U’s.

That loan move came to an end last week, with a hamstring injury disrupting his time with United.

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Edwards initially made a blistering start to life at the club, netting twice in four appearances, before suffering the hamstring injury during training at the end of September.

He briefly returned for the games against Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers at the end of November, but a recurrence of the hamstring problem has ruled him out until the start of April.

When the termination of his loan spell was announced, U’s head coach Des Buckingham revealed that Edwards would remain at the club to recover from his injury.

Buckingham said at the time: “He will continue his rehab here at Oxford, and we’ll make sure we can work with him, to get him back where he was, and where he needs to be.

“He’s got a settled life down here now, Ipswich are happy with it, and he’s happy with the rehab team we have here, so it makes sense for him while he’s got his life moved here, for us to get him back where he wanted to.”

The arrangement suggested Edwards would potentially sign for United in the summer, with that notion taking on further potential when his Tractor Boys deal was terminated.

Buckingham told the club website this afternoon: “We are really pleased to have Kyle back because we know what a good player he is and the level of performance he is capable of.

“We weren’t expecting him to become available but, once he did, it seemed a sensible solution for all concerned. The team will work with Kyle as he continues his rehab, and he should be fit for the last month of the regular season.  

“To have him available at the business end of this campaign will be an excellent boost at a key time. He is a very positive character and I’m sure the fans will welcome Kyle back.” 

Edwards added: “I loved my time at Oxford and was frustrated not to play more because I was really enjoying my football. The injuries were clearly a major setback but I have been working hard and feel like I am making progress every day. The medical team are excellent and have got me in a good place.

“The fans were great with me here, and that gives me a target now: to get fit and make sure we are there celebrating together at the end of the season.” 

Edwards came through the academy system at West Bromwich Albion, where he scored four times in 49 appearances across all competitions.

During his time at The Hawthorns, Edwards spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Exeter City in Sky Bet League Two.

He joined Ipswich in August 2021, netting three times in 62 games, and helped the club to promotion from League One last season.

The U’s have also added goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and forward Tyler Burey, on loan from Chelsea and Danish side Odense respectively, during the January transfer window.