Aaron Ramsey details ‘challenging’ Oxford United transfer window

The U’s ended the window with the late signing of Aston Villa youngster Luka Lynch alongside the loan departure of midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker to Bristol City.

Lynch was the third signing of the summer, arriving on a free loan with special dispensation from the EFL due to the Yellows being under a temporary transfer embargo.

Kai Andrews joined last week on loan from Coventry City under the same circumstances whilst the injured Frankie Kent joined on a free transfer earlier in the summer before the club were placed under embargo.

The new signing from Villa is a right winger, replacing the departed Stanley Mills who left for Preston North End, meaning Oxford do move ahead in the season with a natural right-sided midfielder.

“I think we always want good players in every position,” Ramsey detailed.

“There have been challenging moments in this transfer window, and really understanding what we can do, and we have to try and be creative.

Aston Villa’s Luka Lynch in action during a pre-season friendly match at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, Walsall (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

“I think we’ve done a fantastic job, everybody behind the scenes working really hard to make these happen.

“Luka’s quality is there for everybody to see, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get on that pitch.

“It has had its challenges this window, so for us now to finally have what we’ve got, and to focus on that now is really nice, and from the fans’ perspective as well, giving them a bit of clarity now on what the situation is.

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“I think we’ve strengthened our squad now, so we’ve got players who are fully committed, want to be here, want to fight for this club, and we’ve brought in two really, really exciting players who are going to help us a lot.”

Ahead of a trip to Leicester City on Saturday for the U’s fourth League One game of the season, Ramsey provided updates on injuries to goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and winger Aidomo Emakhu.

Oxford United winger Aidomo Emakhu (Image: Jason Dawson)

The former went off injured early on in the 2-1 win over Stevenage almost a fortnight ago whilst Emakhu missed out on the 3-1 midweek at Huddersfield Town after picking up a knock in training on Monday.

“Jamie’s coming back from a little groin issue,” Ramsey disclosed.

“But he’s back training with the team this week and we’ll assess him and see how he gets through today.

“But as for Aidomo, he’s probably going to be a couple of weeks and then we’ll go from there.

“Again, he just felt a little bit of discomfort in his legs.

“For him now it’s just about taking the next few weeks and getting ready to go again.

“[It is] a loss for us because he was in real good form.”