Oxford United could yet sign Scottish midfielder Allan Campbell after his return to the club following a previous trial period.
The 27-year-old is back training with the U’s as Gary Rowett considers his options ahead of the end of the summer transfer window.
Campbell back in the building as Oxford weigh up move
Oxford United are giving fresh consideration to a deal for Allan Campbell after the midfielder rejoined the club in training this week. The former Luton Town player previously featured as a trialist during pre-season fixtures against Mansfield Town and Bristol Rovers, but was not involved in the matchday squad for the friendly against CD Leganes.
Head coach Gary Rowett has confirmed that Campbell remains under assessment, with the club yet to make a final decision on a potential deal.
“We’ve still got Allan Campbell in the building, who we feel would be a good addition to the squad,” Rowett said. “We’re still trying to see whether that is a possibility. I’d like to strengthen the squad further.”
Campbell has been without a club since his short-term contract at Dundee United expired in the summer. He spent the second half of last season in Scotland after earlier loan spells at Millwall and Charlton Athletic. The Millwall stint reunited him with Rowett, and the pair now look set for a possible reunion in League One.
The midfielder began his career at Motherwell before moving to Luton in 2021. He was part of the Hatters’ side that earned promotion to the Premier League but saw game time limited in recent seasons, prompting a series of loans. Campbell’s versatility and energy have made him a valuable squad option wherever he’s gone, but injuries and lack of continuity have hampered his momentum.
Oxford are continuing to operate within tight financial constraints, with Rowett admitting that any incoming business will have to be carefully balanced against existing parameters.
“If you look around the Championship, a lot of teams certainly are not waiting to strengthen their squads, but we can only work around the parameters that we need to work around,” he said. “All I can do is say what I think we need. If we do it, we do it. If we don’t, we don’t.”
Writer’s View
Allan Campbell’s return to Oxford is a case of unfinished business. The decision to bring him back in after an earlier pre-season stint suggests that Gary Rowett sees real value in adding his former player to the squad. Campbell brings Championship experience and a combative midfield presence, and if fitness and finances align, this could be a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Oxford need depth and leadership in central areas, and Campbell, still only 27, has plenty to offer if he can rediscover the consistency that once made him a standout at Luton and Motherwell. This one may yet go to the wire, but it’s clearly not off the table.
