Indonesia star Marselino Ferdinan leaves Oxford United

The winger departs for native club Persija Jakarta after a two-year spell with the U’s in which he made two appearances.

Ferdinan joined from Belgian club Deinze in 2024 but failed to break into the side.

He endured injury struggles last season and an unsuccessful loan spell at Slovakian club Trencin where he managed only four appearances.

The 22-year-old, who is highly-regarded in his native Indonesia, has played 38 times for his country and scored five goals.

Upon joining his new club in the Indonesian capital, Ferdinan told their website (translated from Indonesian): “What is certain is that now I’m looking for a team that is truly serious and can maximize my potential.

“In times like these, my focus is on restoring my performance and fitness.

𝑱𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒐𝒚.

Welcome to Persija, Marselino Ferdinan! #TheNewChapter #Persija pic.twitter.com/fLaIX9ydiy

— Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) September 23, 2026

“Persija is the best team for me going forward.

“I will always give my best and hope we can win the title together this year.

With the current line-up of players and coaches, we are optimistic we can achieve it.”

The Persija manager, Ardhi Tjahjoko, added: “We hope his injury heals quickly and Marselino can join the team soon.

“We all know Marselino’s abilities.

Marselino Ferdinan has left Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

“We’re confident that with the resources he has, he can make a significant contribution to Persija this season.”

Ferdinan played a total of 14 minutes for Oxford.

His first appearance in a United shirt came in the final minute of a 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Exeter City in January 2025.

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The young winger then managed a 13-minute cameo in the Sky Bet Championship, coming off the bench in a 3-3 draw at Swansea City on the final day of the 2024/25 season.

As a teenager, Ferdinan was highly regarded by observers of global football.

The forward broke through as a 17-year-old at Indonesian club Persebaya Surabaya in 2021 and was named by The Guardian as one of the 60 most talented and promising players in world football.

We can confirm that Marselino Ferdinan has departed the Club and joined Indonesian Super League side Persija Jakarta.

Thank you, Lino! https://t.co/2Sr2pR293u pic.twitter.com/ytkTL1Oy5D

— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) September 23, 2026

He made his international debut, also at 17, in a 4-1 over Timor Leste, becoming the second-youngest Indonesian to play for the national team.

Five months later, he became the youngest ever goal scorer for the senior side after scoring in a 7-0 victory over Nepal.

Ferdinan follows Indonesian international teammate Ole Romeny in leaving Oxford after the Netherlands-born forward departed in the summer.

Romeny joined Dutch side Fortuna Sittard on loan with an option to buy, returning to his country of birth.

He scored on his Fortuna debut, a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven.