Oxford United are finally set to land defender Chris Cadden, despite the 22-year-old agreeing a move to Columbus Crew earlier in the month.
As reported by the Oxford Mail, Cadden is set to be loaned to Karl Robinson’s side, despite them missing out on him when he left Motherwell.
It’s a complex transfer with the U’s at the end of the chain. Cadden left the SPFL side this summer, eventually moving to the MLS, or so it seems. That hasn’t been confirmed as yet, but it’s now likely.
That transfer is likely to cost Columbus as little as £30,000, something Motherwell are set to take to FIFA. Had he moved directly between Oxford and Motherwell, the fee would have been higher, closer to £300,000. Crew are claiming to be a lower category side and therefore liable for less outlay.
However he ends up at the Kassam, he’ll become the third signing of the summer following former Motherwell man Alex Gorrin and winger Tariqe Fosu into the club.
Cadden can play right back as well as further up the field and is expected to confirm the transfer later today.
Our View
This is all a bit of a mess, isn’t it? Oxford United have been patient in their pursuit of Cadden and now it’s clear why.
Putting aside the obvious complications, this is a strong signing for Oxford. He’s a young, ambitious player who looked more than competent in the SPFL.
Whether his loan is six or 12 months will be interesting as surely Columbus will want to see something from their new signing other than progress reports from middle England.
