Placheta left the U’s this summer at the end of his contract as one of 10 players to depart the club for free.

Rumours circulated over a move to the United States of America, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently being held, back in April.

The Texas-based outfit have now confirmed the signing of the Polish wide man on a three-year deal with an option for an extra year.

The 28-year-old signed the agreement back in March and will be eligible to make his Austin FC debut when the regular MLS season returns on July 22.

Placheta joined Oxford in 2024 after leaving Championship side Swansea City when his contract expired and went on to play 60 times for the U’s.

He scored six goals and secured four assists in yellow, including a late winner against now-Premier League side Ipswich Town last season.

Przemyslaw Placheta has signed for MLS side Austin FC (Image: Jason Dawson)

The former Norwich City and Birmingham City man spent six seasons in England in total, winning the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League with the Canaries in the 2020/21 campaign.

Upon joining the MLS side, Placheta said: “I’m really excited to begin a new chapter of my career in Austin.

“I can’t wait to make my debut and do everything I can to help the team make a push in the second half of the season.

READ MORE: Transfer chief details new Oxford United recruitment setup

READ MORE: Hearts expert on new Oxford United signing Frankie Kent

Przemyslaw Placheta wheels away after scoring winner against Ipswich Town (Image: Mike Allen)

“I also hope to use everything I learned during my six years in English football to help the team and make a positive impact in MLS.”

The seven-time Poland international is the latest released Oxford player to find a new club.

Striker Will Goodwin recently secured a move to League Two side Gillingham whilst academy product Joshua Johnson moved to Maidenhead United.

Stuart Findlay has permanently joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts and young centre back Stephan Negru has made the rare switch to United’s rivals Swindon Town in the fourth tier.

Przemyslaw Placheta has signed for MLS side Austin FC (Image: Jason Dawson)

After Placheta’s departure from OX4 was confirmed, he issued a goodbye statement on his Instagram.

“After two years, the time has come to say goodbye,” he wrote.

“I want to thank everyone connected with the club.

“Thank you for welcoming me and my family from the very beginning and making Oxford feel like home.

“There were beautiful moments and difficult ones too, but for all of them I am sincerely grateful.

“To the fans – thank you for your support, passion and belief throughout everything. Wearing this badge was an honour.

“I wish everyone nothing but success in the future and I truly hope Oxford United will be back in the Championship very soon.”

Ramsey faced the media last Wednesday, after being announced as the U’s new head coach the night before, alongside Waldron and club CEO Tim Williams.

Former boss Matt Bloomfield had been sacked three days before ex-Arsenal man Ramsey was announced with the timing of the decision questioned by supporters.

The senior figures offered answers to fans’ and reporters’ burning questions and also referenced new chairman Bogdanovic for the first time following his appointment in May.

The new chair is a football agent and former professional player, most recently operating in Asia.

“Obviously, Dusan’s from a football background, so he knows the game, he knows how transfers work,” Waldron told the press.

“So he will have more of an insight possibly than what’s come before.

“I think when Scott joined, we were in the Championship, so we haven’t decided fully whether we’re going to replace him yet.

Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan and former Spurs loanee Jamie Donley (Image: Jason Dawson)

“But ultimately, we’ve got a well-stocked recruitment department, some really talented people in there. And to be honest with you, the bulk of the work, in fact all of the work for this window is done. And it’s a case of executing the deals now, the scouting’s done, that’s in the past.

“So yeah, of course, Dusan will be involved, as every chairman is.”

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It is understood that the recruitment process will not change too much despite the departure of the head of recruitment, with Waldron continuing to drive recruitment once scouting and identification is completed.

If the club are to replace Mitchell, which is currently undecided, then it will likely not be until after the summer transfer window with a clear structure currently in place at the club.

Oxford United CEO Tim Williams (left), head coach Aaron Ramsey (centre) and head of football operations Ed Waldron (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Waldron said at the press conference that the U’s had received some bids for players since the end of last season, however only one contracted player has left the club so far this season in second-choice goalkeeper Matt Ingram.

He joined West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last week.

The head of football operations also stated that scouting and identification for the summer window is complete and now it is a case of getting deals done as Oxford look to strengthen on their return to League One.

The EFL confirmed fixtures for the 2026/27 season last week, with United facing newly-promoted MK Dons at home on the opening day.

The U’s first pre-season friendly will be on July 21 away at National League club Aldershot Town.

The 30-year-old joined the U’s on a free transfer after his contract expired in Edinburgh and is the first new face to arrive in OX4 in the summer transfer window.

Kent is also the first new addition under Aaron Ramsey after the Oxford head coach replaced Matt Bloomfield last week.

The ex-Peterborough United and Colchester United centre back has League One experience with the Posh before moving across the border in 2023.

The Oxford Mail spoke to Craig Cairns of the Hearts Standard to find out more…

Firstly, why did Hearts release Kent?

Hearts are going in a different direction, which means that players like Kent were always going to be moved on eventually. It is possible he would have left last summer but Derek McInnes was appointed as manager and he is the type of defender McInnes likes: no nonsense.

He probably thought he could make himself a regular but he could barely get in the team because of the form of Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay.

Kent was the third choice for most of the season. He said this was the first time in his career he hasn’t been a regular starter.

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent during a training session (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

What are his best attributes?

He’s great in the air, though should score more goals, physical and good at 1v1 defending.

Where he lacks, and why he is no longer a Hearts player, is probably because of his ability on the ball. He isn’t terrible at it but Hearts have made a point of signing players more comfortable on the ball, including defenders.

Ready to get going! 💪 pic.twitter.com/VScVN7XLv7

— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) June 27, 2026

He seemed like a fan favourite at Hearts – what was it about him that fans loved?

The reason is he is so popular is that he always gave his all. He had poor days like everyone else but his attitude was never in doubt.

Imagine he would be easy to work with as well. In interviews he was always really nice. Just a top guy.

Emotional Heart of Midlothian players Cameron Devlin (left) and Frankie Kent (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Does a move back to League One with Oxford suit Kent? How do you think he will fare?

I can’t say I know too much about the style or standard in League One, but from what I can tell there are similarities in terms of physicality. There’s no doubt he’ll deal with that no problem and he came to Scotland with plenty of experience in England from his time at Peterborough.

Obviously there are no guarantees with any signing, but I am confident Kent will be a success.

He seems like a leader and is experienced at 30 years old? Has he still got enough left in the tank?

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent and Marc Leonard (right) (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

He’s definitely a leader.

Whenever Hearts’ vice-captain Halkett was unavailable, Kent was the back-up. Part of this was down to his leadership abilities.

And 30 is young in football now. I’m confident he’s still got at least a few years in him.