Oxford united FC
Bristol City boss details De Keersmaecker exit from Oxford United
The Robins confirmed signing of De Keersmaecker in the early hours of Wednesday morning after transfer deadline day, the Belgian joining from Oxford on season-long loan with an option to buy.
The midfielder followed Stanley Mills, who joined Preston North End last month – in leaving OX4 for a Championship club.
De Keersmaecker had not featured for United since January after undergoing season-ending surgery earlier in the year, meaning he did not play during the relegation battle under Matt Bloomfield during the second half of last season.
He did not play in pre-season after illness and then did not feature in any of the Yellows first four competitive matches of the new season.
The 26-year-old joined Oxford in the summer of 2025 and played 28 times in total for the club, scoring one goal.
After his deadline-day move to Ashton Gate was secured, Reds boss Skubala admitted the transfer was something his club had been considering for a while.
“It’s something we’ve actually been speaking about for a long time, throughout the window.
“He’s a very talented young man, and we knew he could be available to us months ago,” the City boss disclosed.
“Of course, these things, some take time, they take different paths, but we knew that could be an opportunity that still arises, and it’s great that we wanted to do that to support that unit, to make sure that we’re fully covered across all positions.”
The Robins manager also spoke about the decision to bring the Yellows centre midfielder in on a loan deal.
“Lots of complications behind that,”
“But I think he’s a good player. We want to make sure he can support the unit, and then, after that, we’ll see how it goes.”
Considering the Belgian has not played any match football in nine months, a little rustiness is to be expected.
Prior to De Keersmaecker’s departure from the club, U’s boss Ramsey explained that the ‘ball was in his court’ as he continued to miss out on game time Oxford amid a lack of minutes.
“He’s way behind physically; it’s going to have to be a lot of work and trying to build his minutes up somehow with him,” the former Arsenal icon explained last month.
“But, again, the ball’s in his court.
“So it’s all about how he responds and reacts to the situation and if he’s fully committed or not.”
De Keersmaecker’s absence from United squads this season until his departure has left a sour taste in the mouths of supporters.
The Yellows ran riot at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, 18-year-old Missanga assisting Mark Harris’ first goal and scoring the team’s second in a four-goal triumph.
Harris notched a second before Jamie McDonnell put the cherry on top of a fruitful afternoon with his first goal for the club.
The game was only Missanga’s second start and third appearance in total in senior football, but the winger showed no fear by making an instant impact in League One.
“No matter where I am, who I’m playing against, I have a lot of confidence,” the U’s academy graduate declared after the match.
“Just the way I am as a person, I really enjoy playing football.
“So I feel like, just why not try to express myself and show the fans what I can do and try to do my best for the club.”
Missanga slotted his goal away in front of the travelling United fans, Coventry City loanee Kai Andrews finding the teenager in space down the middle.
Chopping onto his right foot in the box, the wide man showed a calmness beyond his years to score past experienced Leicester goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
“I just thought I should try and be as composed as I can be,” Missanga said.
“I saw the goal, it’s my time to get my goal. I’m just happy to be winning.
“It’s like, I don’t know how to describe it because everyone’s jumping on me. I was really happy.
“Obviously, I saw my family there.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings in 4-0 Leicester thrashing
READ MORE: Oxford United run riot as Missanga steals show in four-goal Leicester rout
“I said I’d score for my older brother’s birthday today.
“I saw my little brother, so it was all good. I was really happy scoring in front of all the fans.
“It means a lot to me.”
Head coach Aaron Ramsey has shown a lot of trust in young Missanga, starting the starlet in back-to-back away games.
The Yellows boss broke through into senior football at a young age himself and is not afraid to give his young players the same opportunity.
“I think because he’s broken through, it gives a bit more trust into me,” Missanga pondered.
“He always told me to be positive and to express myself.
“I think that [makes it] easier, to be able to come up here and play the best I can.
“So I’m really thankful for the opportunities he’s given me and the rest of the staff as well, because they all believe in me.
“You’re here now, just make sure you stay there…that’s what I’m thinking.
“Hopefully, I just keep getting more appearances.”
Oxford stormed to a second victory of the season thanks to a brace from Mark Harris and goals from 18-year-old Mo Missanga and midfielder Jamie McDonnell.
The four-goal triumph was the perfect response to a 3-1 midweek defeat at Huddersfield Town and leaves the U’s on seven points after four games.
New signing Kai Andrews bagged two assists on his first start on loan from Coventry City whilst Luke Lynch also secured an assist off the bench in his first appearance after joining on loan from Aston Villa on deadline day.
“It’s always very difficult to come to a place like this, an away game, and win 4-0,” Ramsey admitted after the game.
“We knew we had to be at our absolute best today, full concentration for the 90 minutes, and we certainly did that.
“There were some really big performances from every single one.
“For us, it was a really proud performance. When I came in, I wanted us to have an identity. I wanted us to enjoy in and out of possession.
“I think that was evident today.
“We’re going to enjoy these moments. Coming away from home and winning 4-0 doesn’t happen every week.
“But like I said, I’m fully aware we’re four games in. It’s a long, old season.”
Ramsey made three changes from the team that were defeated by Huddersfield.
READ MORE: Oxford United stun Leicester City in 4-0 demolition in League One
READ MORE: Bristol City boss details De Keersmaecker exit from Oxford United
Michal Helik, Peter Kioso and Andrews all came in at Leicester in place of Sam Long, Jack Currie and Tyler Goodrham with the U’s gaffer explaining his decisions after the game.
“I trust every single player in there,” the Welshman continued.
“I am going to rotate, but we felt like this was the best way to go and win a football game today.
“The way that we wanted to build, we tweaked it a little bit so that we can create some overloads in certain areas and capitalise in there on the opposite side.
“It was really pleasing that that came to life and then out of possession just being really patient.
“And then when it came into two areas, being super aggressive in that press.
“The team were ready from the off, you could sense it.
“Leicester are a tough team.
“The way that Russell [Martin] sets them up is really challenging at times, and he definitely tests you; you have to be switched on throughout the whole game.
“They do like to try and commit and link off the striker as well, and find the spear man.
“But I thought the boys dealt with that really, really well today. Actually, we created lots of transitional moments from that.”
Aaron Ramsey’s side showed no mercy in their second win of the campaign to bounce back from defeat at Huddersfield Town.
Mark Harris bagged a brace whilst 18-year-old Mo Missanga scored his first senior goal before Jamie McDonnell rounded things off with his first in yellow.
Simon Eastwood – 8
Another host of saves from the goalkeeper, diving about in the first half to keep the Foxes at bay.
A first clean sheet since a 1-0 EFL Trophy win at Forest Green Rovers in December 2023.
Peter Kioso (Currie 81′) – 7.5
Let a couple of crosses in from Will Alves but grew into it and linked up well with Mo Missanga.
Took up some great positions to allow Missanga space ahead of him and was solid throughout.
Michal Helik – 7
Really calm and collected at the back and dealt with crosses effectively.
Ciaron Brown – 6.5
Solid on the ball and did not let much trouble him all afternoon.
Brodie Spencer – 7
Some impressive carries, pressing and tackles on the left side.
Does not look out of place at all on the left.
Jamie McDonnell – 9.5
A complete midfield performance.
Involved in all aspects with some cracking tackles to stop the hosts in midfield and getting the pre-assist for Mark Harris’ opener.
Then bagged his first goal by getting in a great position in the box and worked incredibly well in the midfield three.
A machine.
READ MORE: Oxford United run riot as Missanga steals show in four-goal Leicester rout
READ MORE: Bristol City boss details De Keersmaecker exit from Oxford United
Kai Andrews – 8
Nice and composed on his full debut, using his body well and working as a unit with his midfield colleagues.
Two assists and influenced a lot of good moves.
Cameron Brannagan (Sibley 81′) – 7
Not as visibly involved as his midfield partners but led by example and was a mature head in the centre.
Mo Missanga (Lynch 61′) – 9
Incredible.
Has no fear, managing a first goal and assist in senior football on only his second start.
A great first touch and constantly ran at defenders, putting some really impressive crosses in from the right. Also such a hard worker to get back into shape and press with energy.
Mark Harris (O’Donkor 69′) – 9
Bagged his second and third goals of the season with composure and was a good option in the box for crosses.
Pressed brilliantly, but cleverly; Harris is a real threat in League One.
Siriki Dembele (Goodrham 69′) – 7
Was allowed freedom to come inside which he enjoyed and had a couple of good runs whilst getting into some advantageous positions.
Substitutions:
Luka Lynch – 7.5
A brilliant substitute cameo.
Agile, direct and tricky, providing an assist for McDonnell with a neat ball in.
Tyler Goodrham – 6
Gatlin O’Donkor – 6
Louie Sibley – N/A
Jack Currie – N/A
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