Oxford United have bolstered their options with the loan signing of Chelsea’s Alex Matos.
The midfielder will make his second senior loan move in his career and makes a return to the Championship by joining Gary Rowett’s side, having played the second half of last season with Huddersfield Town as they suffered relegation from the second tier.
Available For Cup Clash
The move mirrors the timing of his arrival at Huddersfield, with his first game coming in the FA Cup Third Round against Manchester City. Oxford have a much more easier task than The Terriers, facing League One side Exeter City.
The 20-year-old, who has brief Premier League experience for Chelsea against West London rivals Fulham, spoke to the media following his arrival at the Kassam Stadium. (Quotes via Oxford Mail):
“This is the right move for me at this stage in my career. I’m joining a team where I hope I can make a difference and win a lot of games while continuing to improve as a player.
“I have spoken with the gaffer, and I am confident I can help the team and become a better player under his guidance.
“I’m a tenacious player who likes to get up and down the pitch and put a tackle in. Having experienced the Championship last season, I’m really happy to be back in the league as I feel it suits my style.
“My aim is to come in and make an instant impact. It will be massive for us to stay in this league and my goal is to ensure the team reach that goal. For me, this is the right place to be.”
Writer’s View
Alex Matos did look like a very solid performer in a Huddersfield Town side that slipped into relegation this season. With Oxford it will be a similar situation but The U’s are in a much more solid position than the West Yorkshire side as it stands. With injuries elsewhere on the pitch, it is not the perfect situation to join but he will be a very strong addition to a midfield department with players like Cameron Brannagan, Idris El Mizouni and Will Vaulks.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
