OXFORD United have completed their seventh summer signing with the addition of midfielder Idris El Mizouni.
The 23-year-old joins from Ipswich Town on a long-term deal, with this newspaper understanding that reports of a £400,000 fee are accurate.
The Tractor Boys took up a 12-month option in El Mizouni’s contract last month, to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
READ ALSO: U’s coach on role during transfer window and excitement over Louie Sibley
He told the U’s club website: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the club. It’s a solid club that has made a step up to the Championship and it was very attractive to me.
“It’s a team that always likes to play football and I want to be a part of that and move upwards with the club.
“I want to prove myself as a player and prove to everyone that I can play at this level. More importantly, I want to help the club achieve their ambitions.”
Head coach Des Buckingham added: “Idris brings a lot of qualities that fit into the profile we were looking for to continue developing the dynamic of our midfield.
“He has shown over the last few seasons his strong attributes that will allow us to play different ways while being another young player with huge further potential.
“I’m excited to work with him and continue to help develop his skill set as we move forwards into the Championship.
“It’s fantastic that we have brought him in at a time where he can join the group over here in Spain which will help him adapt to our environment quickly as we prepare for the first of the upcoming pre-season games.”
Thanks to @LeighCurtis_DT for his brilliant insight into #oufc summer signing Louie Sibleyhttps://t.co/tdNwr7VHMr
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) July 9, 2024
El Mizouni graduated through the Ipswich academy and made his debut in March 2019, in a 1-1 draw at Bristol City in Sky Bet Championship.
He made a further three Championship appearances at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, prior to his international debut for Tunisia in a 2-0 friendly win against Iraq. That cap remains his sole senior international appearance for the Paris-born player.
El Mizouni then had two spells at Cambridge United on loan, plus a temporary switch to Grimsby Town, before a loan move to Leyton Orient for the 2022/23 season.
He made 44 appearances as Orient won the League Two title, and won the club’s players’ player of the season award.
During the most recent campaign, he rejoined Orient on loan and played 45 times as Richie Wellens’ side finished 11th in League One.
El Mizouni is the third midfielder to join United this summer, following the additions of Louie Sibley and Will Vaulks.
Goalkeepers Jamie Cumming and Jacob Knightbridge have also joined the U’s, plus full backs Peter Kioso and Jack Currie.
United head of recruitment Ed Waldron said: “We have tracked Idris for some time and it’s really pleasing that we have been successful in adding him to the group.
“Idris played against us on two occasions last season and was terrific in both games. These games gave us a strong indication of what he could offer, and once matched up with extensive work behind the scenes, we identified Idris as a player who could improve our team.
“We are very pleased with the work we have done in our midfield area and we feel Idris will help develop our on-pitch success, as well as our already existing culture at the club.”
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