Oxford United and League One rivals complete summer transfers

The U’s brought in defender Frankie Kent on a free transfer after his departure from Scottish club Hearts at the end of the season.

Kent is the club’s first new signing ahead of the 2026/27 League One season and the first under new head coach Aaron Ramsey.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ramsey replaced Matt Bloomfield as head coach last week, with United opting for a change in leadership as they look to bounce back from Championship relegation last term.

It is the Welshman’s first permanent role as a head coach after a short, three-game stint at boyhood club Cardiff City in 2025.

Meanwhile, Oxford’s rivals have been reinforcing their squads as they prepare to compete in the third tier.

One of the most recent deals to be confirmed is Huddersfield Town’s signing of young goalkeeper Matty Young from Premier League side Sunderland.

The 19-year-old kept 15 clean sheets for Karl Robinson’s Salford City last season and recently signed a new deal with his parent club.

One signing that will catch the eye of Oxford fans is Sheffield Wednesday’s acquisition of Kidlington-born midfielder Callum Slattery from Scottish side Motherwell.

Motherwell’s Callum Slattery (left) and Rangers’ Nasser Djiga (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

The Owls picked up the 27-year-old on a free transfer after he departed The Well at the end of his contract.

There was reported interest from United earlier in the summer but Slattery will now turn out for League One rivals Wednesday as they look to rebuild following their relegation and financial difficulties.

READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal Ramsey and Wilshere to battle in League One

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Stevenage’s Harvey White takes a corner (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Elsewhere, Plymouth Argyle have picked up midfielder Harvey White from third-tier rivals Stevenage.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man played 50 times as he Boro reached the play-off semi-finals, scoring six goals along the way.

The 24-year-old turned down a contract offer from his former club and has since made the switch to Tom Cleverley’s Argyle where he has signed a three-year contract.

One of Oxford’s reported targets, Fred Onyedinma, recently signed a new deal with Wycombe Wanderers.

Fulham’s Issa Diop and Wycombe Wanderers’ Fred Onyedinma battle for the ball (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

The Chairboys’ Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season was linked with Thames Valley rivals Oxford and Reading as his contract negotiations lingered, however the 29-year-old has chosen to remain in Buckinghamshire.

Last year’s other play-off semi-finalists Bradford City have brought in former Stockport County man Callum Connolly on a free transfer.

28-year-old Connolly, who won the Under-20 World Cup with England in 2017. was released by play-off losers Stockport and has joined the Bantams on a two-year contract.