Oxford United Set For Second Statement Signing?

Oxford United are closing in on a deal with MK Dons midfielder Josh McEachran, according to reports from BBC Radio Oxford.

The former Chelsea Young Player of the Year has been released by MK following the expiration of his contract this summer, and is now expected to remain in League One with the U’s. After announcing the signing of Ruben Rodrigues earlier this week, Oxford look set to strengthen the midfield more after a disappointing season last year.

Who Is Josh McEachran?

Joining Premier League side Chelsea at the age of seven, the youngster was one of the most promising players to come out of the academy. Helping the youth side with the FA Youth Cup, McEachran’s performances were noticed by winning Chelsea’s Youth Player of the Season in 2010.

Making 15 first-team appearances during his 14 years with the Blues, the Oxford-born player was a part of Chelsea’s famous loan system. Spending consecutive loan spells with Swansea City, Middlesborough, Watford, Wigan Athletic and Vitesse, McEachran finally left Chelsea for fellow West London side Brentford in 2015.

Appearing 101 times for the Bees in the Championship, the versatile midfielder had eight goal contributions during his four seasons with Brentford. After a brief year with Birmingham City, McEachran joined MK, where he has spent the last three seasons.

Oxford To Be Taken Serious?

Coming off a year to forget for the Yellows, the start of the transfer window has been very promising. With long-term manager Karl Robinson gone mid-season, Oxford just survived in League One by two points and has already started to add to the squad.

Rodrigues was a surprise signing who many thought would join a League One favourite, and now McEachran is an experienced midfielder who can play in multiple different spots.

Writer’s View

One of MK’s more consistent performers, McEachran’s release allows him to stay in the third division of English football. Born in Oxford, that may have played a part in potentially signing with United this summer.

The midfielder may not have been able to live up to the expectations of Chelsea as a youngster, however now at the age of 30, McEachran has over 200 games of experience in the Championship and League One, and could be a solid signing for the U’s.