Oxford united FC
Oxford United stars told to ‘show up’ as transfer saga continues
Well, where to start?
Other than an electric start, a five minute collapse, a last gasp equaliser and players texting the manager to tell him they won’t be playing, it was a quiet start to life back in League One for Oxford United.
Aaron Ramsey was asked for a reason behind the absences of both Stanley Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker following Oxford’s 2-2 draw with MK Dons, and his responses were a stark contrast to what we’ve heard from him regarding their situation throughout pre-season.
On Mills first. It was only in his pre-match press conference the day before that he confirmed a deal had been agreed with Preston, with the move set to be formalised in January.
Of course, a disappointment but not a surprise.
Aaron Ramsey tells us Stan Mills messaged him this morning to say he was not ready to play today ❌
Mills trained this week and would’ve been included in the squad #oufc 🟡
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 15, 2026
So when there was no sign of Mills in the squad, despite Ramsey confirming he had trained in the build-up, a sense of confusion dominated pre-match conversations. For weeks, it felt as if Ramsey had been protecting Mills from the speculation surrounding his future… until full-time, when the bass laid it out for us all to hear.
As fans were deciding which kit they would wear to our season curtain-raiser, Ramsey told Nathan Cooper he had received a text from Mills on Saturday morning stating that “he didn’t feel he was ready to participate in the game”.
The only word that comes to mind: insulting.
It’s important to add that the vast majority of Oxford supporters are not naïve enough to think our most talented footballers don’t want to progress.
First post-match thoughts of the season as Oxford United draw with MK Dons on the opening day 💭
🤔 The Mills situation
💪 Excitement about Missanga
🤝 Taking the point into a tough runWhat did you make of the game? #oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/etQhM4LWwP
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 16, 2026
Of course, our current off the field circumstances have thrown a rather large spanner in the works, and modern football’s ‘player power’ is only becoming more common. But waiting until just hours before kick-off to text your manager and tell him you won’t be participating is an insult – not just to the manager who has never hesitated in praising your professionalism until now , but also to the fans, and your teammates.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s praises Oxford United ‘reward’ in MK Dons draw
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings after late MK Dons draw
As for De Keersmaecker, he shouldn’t be given a free pass.
In some ways the ‘Mills saga’ has led to people forgetting that our reported club-record signing has not worn an Oxford shirt since a substitute appearance against Leicester last season.
🚨 Aaron Ramsey on Brian De Keersmaecker’s situation at Oxford United:
🗣️ “Brian’s in a slightly different situation where he has played zero minutes this pre-season.
“He’s way behind physically. It’s going to have to be a lot of work and trying to build his minutes up somehow…
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 15, 2026
Following his return from an injury that meant he missed a large portion of last season, De Keersmaecker didn’t play a minute of pre-season and is also now having his ‘commitment’ to Oxford questioned by his own manager.
Not a good look.
As Ramsay phrased it himself, “the ball is now in their court”.
The door isn’t shut. I think we can all agree that both individuals would significantly improve our chances of winning football matches. Their talent is undisputed.
But with senior players rolling up their sleeves, and academy prospects shining in what is currently a rather dim room at Oxford United, whilst you’re contracted here, can we at least expect you to meet the bare minimum that this football club and its supporters deserve?
Show up.
The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur
But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has insisted that Stanley Mills’ departure for Preston North End was ‘the best decision’.
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