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.