JAMIE Cumming is more than aware that Oxford United will potentially bring in another goalkeeper to challenge him for the number one jersey this season.

The 24-year-old has joined the U’s on a free transfer after Chelsea agreed to terminate his contract a year early, following his loan spell at Grenoble Road during the 2023/24 campaign.

United have also signed fellow goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge from West Ham United this summer, adding to Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty, who is currently on loan at League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers.

READ ALSO: Jamie Cumming signs for U’s following loan spell last season

Asked whether he anticipates further challenges for the goalkeeper shirt, Cumming replied: “Absolutely yeah. I’m not sure exactly what’s happening and what I can say, but I think the idea is that we’ll bring someone in to challenge.

“Obviously we’ve got Easty here, and he’s been brilliant with me. He’s an amazing guy to have around the place.

“Naturally as you step up the league, people are going to come in and try to grab your shirt.

“I spoke to the manager and he’s made that clear. He’s made it clear that if I perform, then it’s mine to lose. I’m fully expecting a challenge along the way.”

U’s head of recruitment Ed Waldron has also hinted that the club will add another goalkeeper this summer.

Waldron told the United club website: “Jamie is a key addition to the group, and we will continue in our efforts to boost the goalkeeping department to ensure we are in the strongest position possible ahead of the new season.”

Cumming arrives following other loan spells away from Chelsea at Stevenage, Gillingham and two stints at MK Dons. 

He said: “I’ve been stuck in this loan cycle for a few seasons now, and I’ve been desperate to get out of it, and I’ve been desperate to get the chance to play in the Championship.

“Now I see it as a chance to come here and make it my home, and really excel and prove I can play at this level.

“I always wanted to come back here. Naturally in the summer, there are rumours and interest from clubs, but from my point of view, I was always pretty set on getting something done early and then hit the ground running.

“There was interest from other clubs, but for me it was always Oxford because of coming back to a place that I’m familiar with.

“It’s a great city to live in, and a great location, and lots of things like the ambition of the club, which made me want to come back here.”

Cumming played 23 times for the U’s last season, and kept seven clean sheets.