Oxford United summer 2024 transfer window analysis

As soon as the final whistle went at Wembley on May 18, it felt like a huge few months were coming up, and ultimately the wheels were set in motion almost straight away.

Ed Waldron and the U’s recruitment team have worked non-stop, and once again impressed with their proactiveness and ability to not just source a player, but beat competition to get deals done.

Every area of the pitch saw at least one new arrival, and that itself must be applauded.

Of course, there will be nagging doubts as to what might happen if injuries and suspensions pile up in certain positions, but to overhaul the squad perfectly in one window after promotion would be nigh on impossible.

Here, we assess how United performed in the summer 2024 market.

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GOALKEEPERS

Three signings between the posts, with Jamie Cumming arriving on a permanent basis following his loan spell during the 2023/24 campaign, plus Matt Ingram and Jacob Knightbridge.

Cumming is the number one for now, but Ingram has shown in the Carabao Cup games that he is here to fight tooth and nail for that jersey. Knightbridge is certainly one for the future, rather than perhaps the here and now.

Jamie Cumming makes a save against Preston North End (Image: Mike Allen)

DEFENDERS

Two new right backs in Peter Kioso and Hidde ter Avest, and then one left back with Jack Currie, who subsequently secured a deadline day loan move to Leyton Orient.

Kioso has battled with Sam Long for the right back nod so far, with ter Avest coming into contention after the international break.

All three new full backs arrived with positive references, and room for further growth too.

Deadline day addition Ben Nelson from Leicester City on a season-long loan was the only signing at centre back this window, but the one the U’s wanted all summer.

He’s been talked about very positively, and is regarded by United as one of the most promising young centre halves in English football. He could be a real gem on loan.

Peter Kioso joined from Rotherham United (Image: Mike Allen)

MIDFIELDERS

The work done to bring in Idris El Mizouni, Louie Sibley and Will Vaulks was done incredibly early, with the trio all in place for the pre-season trip to Spain.

Vaulks is the one we have seen the most of, and he very quickly established himself as a leader in the group.

His experience, combined with the talents of El Mizouni and Sibley, will surely be key for the U’s this season.

Will Vaulks on the ball for Oxford United (Image: Mike Allen)

WINGERS

Out wide was where United have been the busiest, with five wingers joining.

The U’s broke their transfer record, paying shy of £1 million for Siriki Dembele the day before deadline day, while the experienced Matt Phillips has already shown he will be hugely influential this season.

Przemyslaw Placheta is clearly a player blessed with incredible pace, and that should prove to be a very useful asset, while Malcolm Ebiowei, on loan from Crystal Palace, is highly thought of.

Indonesia international Marselino Ferdinan may need time to get up to speed with the demands of English football, but arrives with plenty of potential.

Oxford United broke their transfer record for Siriki Dembele (Image: Mike Allen)

STRIKERS

In the end there was just the one centre forward through the door, with Dane Scarlett joining from Tottenham Hotspur on loan.

The form of Mark Harris so far means Scarlett will have to be patient for his opportunity.

It’s the one position though where the United would certainly have liked another face. But pretty much every team across the country will be saying the same thing.

Whether the U’s go again for a striker in January will be interesting, although that window is notoriously a tougher one to crack, especially for bringing in centre forwards ready-made to come in and score goals from the off.