The 30-year-old joined the U’s on a free transfer after his contract expired in Edinburgh and is the first new face to arrive in OX4 in the summer transfer window.

Kent is also the first new addition under Aaron Ramsey after the Oxford head coach replaced Matt Bloomfield last week.

The ex-Peterborough United and Colchester United centre back has League One experience with the Posh before moving across the border in 2023.

The Oxford Mail spoke to Craig Cairns of the Hearts Standard to find out more…

Firstly, why did Hearts release Kent?

Hearts are going in a different direction, which means that players like Kent were always going to be moved on eventually. It is possible he would have left last summer but Derek McInnes was appointed as manager and he is the type of defender McInnes likes: no nonsense.

He probably thought he could make himself a regular but he could barely get in the team because of the form of Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay.

Kent was the third choice for most of the season. He said this was the first time in his career he hasn’t been a regular starter.

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent during a training session (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

What are his best attributes?

He’s great in the air, though should score more goals, physical and good at 1v1 defending.

Where he lacks, and why he is no longer a Hearts player, is probably because of his ability on the ball. He isn’t terrible at it but Hearts have made a point of signing players more comfortable on the ball, including defenders.

Ready to get going! 💪 pic.twitter.com/VScVN7XLv7

— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) June 27, 2026

He seemed like a fan favourite at Hearts – what was it about him that fans loved?

The reason is he is so popular is that he always gave his all. He had poor days like everyone else but his attitude was never in doubt.

Imagine he would be easy to work with as well. In interviews he was always really nice. Just a top guy.

Emotional Heart of Midlothian players Cameron Devlin (left) and Frankie Kent (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Does a move back to League One with Oxford suit Kent? How do you think he will fare?

I can’t say I know too much about the style or standard in League One, but from what I can tell there are similarities in terms of physicality. There’s no doubt he’ll deal with that no problem and he came to Scotland with plenty of experience in England from his time at Peterborough.

Obviously there are no guarantees with any signing, but I am confident Kent will be a success.

He seems like a leader and is experienced at 30 years old? Has he still got enough left in the tank?

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent and Marc Leonard (right) (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

He’s definitely a leader.

Whenever Hearts’ vice-captain Halkett was unavailable, Kent was the back-up. Part of this was down to his leadership abilities.

And 30 is young in football now. I’m confident he’s still got at least a few years in him.

Makosso spent the second half of last season on loan at Oxford in the Championship after arriving in January from League One side Luton Town.

He was brought in under Matt Bloomfield, with whom the 22-year-old worked at Luton, and started his first six matches after joining.

The Congolese centre back lost his place, however, after arriving late to the U’s home match against West Bromwich Albion which the hosts won 2-1.

He then went on to only play another 10 minutes for Oxford, unable to force himself back into the starting XI ahead of centre back duo Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown.

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s journey to becoming Oxford United head coach

READ MORE: Oxford United and League One rivals complete summer transfers

Former Oxford United defender Christ Makosso is set for a move to Ligue 1 club Auxerre (Image: Jason Dawson)

Makosso had an option to buy included in his loan contract at United which the club opted not to exercise, as was the case with Jamie Donley who endured the same length spell at United on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Makosso is on his way to Ligue 1, with Auxerre reaching ‘an agreement in principle’ to sign the defender for £2 million plus add-ons.

Born in Brazzaville, capital of Congo, the young centre back is a full international after captaining his nation at youth level.

“I’ve been planning for this for the last few years,” Ramsey told the media upon his arrival in OX4, and his path has been carefully paved.

The Welshman spent 11 years at Premier League giants Arsenal, a decade of which were under iconic manager Arsene Wenger.

Immediately under Wenger’s wing, the young midfielder was patiently developed into one of Europe’s best midfielders after arriving at the Emirates Stadium in 2008 as a teenager.

Ramsey bagged FA Cup final-winning goals in both 2014 and 2015 before winning a third in 2017 and his eventual departure for Italian giants Juventus in 2019 was dubbed a “big loss” by his former tutor.

A spell at Nice in France preceded a return to boyhood club Cardiff City, by then which Ramsey’s plan for a future in management was sprung.

The 35-year-old secured his UEFA A License in 2024 whilst playing in the Welsh capital and also obtained the UEFA Elite Youth A License which focuses on focused on high‑level, long-term youth development coaching.

Aaron Ramsey (right) in action for Arsenal. (Image: PA)

He spent time analysing games on the side lines, including at youth level, coaching the Bluebirds’ Under-18s on occasion.

An early chance to demonstrate his tactical acumen came for the former Gunner in the 2024/25 campaign whilst in the Welsh capital when manager Omer Riza was relieved of his duties with three Championship fixtures remaining.

READ MORE: Oxford United and League One rivals complete summer transfers

READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal Ramsey and Wilshere to battle in League One

Ramsey took the wheel but could only manage two draws and a defeat with a depleted Cardiff side.

His first ever match as a head coach came against his now-club Oxford, managing a 1-1 draw at home to Gary Rowett’s U’s, but the Bluebirds were condemned to League One in Ramsey’s second, and penultimate, game.

Quick thoughts after first meeting with Aaron Ramsey + Matt Bloomfield sacking saga 💭#oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/C6nRlbwO2E

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) June 24, 2026

Wales’ Aaron Ramsey during a training session (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Since he returned to Cardiff, Ramsey has spent time with the Wales international setup, garnering huge praise from head coach Craig Bellamy, and a final playing spell in Mexico with UNAM.

“I believe he’s going to be that talented and I believe he’s going to be a big asset to whoever he’s with and I’d like to see that with Wales one day,” Bellamy admitted in 2024.

Despite being careful not to name-drop anyone specific upon joining United, Ramsey has previously cited Arsenal manager and ex-teammate Mikel Arteta as inspiration.

(Image: Newsquest)

“It is inspiring because Mikel was [in Wales studying] around 10 years ago, in the same position starting his journey,” the Yellows boss said previously.

“That’s inspiring for us, to see him 10 years later, lifting the Premier League and in the Champions League final.”

All these experiences have led Ramsey to Oxford United.

Despite limited managerial experience, the new man in charge will be confident he can bring success to the U’s.