Oxford United sign Luka Lynch on loan from Aston Villa

The U’s confirmed the 19-year-old had joined on Wednesday morning – the morning after transfer deadline day – on a loan deal until January 2 from the Premier League club.

The winger has starred for the Villans’ Under-21 side after graduating from the academy but has not yet made a senior competitive appearance.

Lynch impressed in pre-season for Unai Emery’s side, scoring twice – once against Walsall and once against Porto – before bagging an assist in Indonesia against BG Pathum United.

The signing comes after a late outgoing saw Oxford let Belgian midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker join Championship club Bristol City on a season-long deal with an option to buy.

Aaron Ramsey’s Yellows suffered their first League One defeat of the season on deadline day, losing 3-1 to Huddersfield Town in West Yorkshire.

Upon joining Oxford, new signing Lynch told the club: “I’m really excited to get started.

“As soon as I spoke to the club and heard about the plans for the season, it felt like a really good opportunity for me.

Aston Villa’s Luka Lynch celebrates scoring against Walsall in pre-season (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

“I’ve had a good conversation with the staff about how they want me to play and what they expect from me.

“I’m an attacking player and I want to be positive, create chances and hopefully contribute with goals and assists.

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“I know how well young players have done here in recent years and I feel like Oxford is the perfect place for me.”

Head coach Ramsey added: “Luka is a player we’re really pleased to bring into the group.

“He’s an exciting young winger with a lot of the qualities we look for. He’s direct, has good ability in one-on-one situations and has the confidence to make things happen in the final third.

“He’s coming from a very good environment at Aston Villa and has been highly thought of throughout his development.

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

“We believe he can have a real impact for us. We’re looking forward to helping him continue his development and seeing what he can bring to the team.”

The addition of the wide midfielder comes after the sale of Stanley Mills to Preston North End last week.

Lynch is the second loan addition of the summer transfer window after Kai Andrews arrived from Coventry City.

The U’s remain under a temporary transfer embargo and bring in the Villa man with no additional cost to the club and with special dispensation from the EFL.

Oxford’s head of football operations, Ed Waldron, commented: “Luka is a player we’ve followed closely and we’re delighted to have been able to bring him to Oxford United.

“[He] has all the attributes we look for in a young attacking player.

“He’s hungry to play, wants to test himself at senior level and has the potential to make a big contribution for us this season.”