The young midfielder graduated from Oxford’s academy in 2021, then-manager Karl Robinson describing the 21-year-old as a “terrific prospect”.

Johnson made his first-team debut for the club at the age of 16 and started in a 2-0 EFL Cup defeat to Premier League side Crystal Palace in 2022.

Making seven appearances for the U’s during his five years as a professional, the Englishman departs having been out a handful of times, twice with Dartford as well as spells with Welling United, Banbury United and Maidenhead twice in 2024/25.

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After being one of 10 players to leave the Yellows last month upon the expiry of his contract, Johnson returns to Maidenhead permanently having previously made 22 appearances for the club.

JOSHUA JOHNSON REJOINS 🫡

Maidenhead United are delighted to welcome the return of young midfielder Joshua Johnson! ✍️

Read more 👇https://t.co/ShQHcffoCJ pic.twitter.com/tUkAEPciTK

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) June 12, 2026

The Magpies reached the play-offs in the sixth tier last season, finishing seventh, but were defeated 2-0 by Dorking Wanderers in the quarter-finals.

Upon joining the Berkshire club, Johnson said: “When I came here, I got the opportunity to play, and it gave me a chance to show my quality and ability. It was good when I was here, so it felt like it was a good opportunity to come back.

“Just getting to play again, really. Playing against the teams at this level and just getting more minutes in. Then, also getting to meet the new guys and the old ones I’ve already seen, and get used to them being my teammates.”

The U’s finished fourth in the National League South in the 2025/26 season behind champions Watford, Plymouth Argyle and AFC Bournemouth.

Liam Gilbert oversaw an upturn in form with Oxford since being reappointed as head coach in November.

Peterborough won promotion from the National League Division One Midlands – the fourth tier – last season, winning the league with an eight-point margin.

The Posh will travel to the MGroup Stadium, the home of Oxford City, for the pre-season clash.

The fixture will take place on Wednesday, June 15 with kick-off scheduled for 7:30PM.

📆 We will face Peterborough United in a pre-season friendly ahead of the new league season.

Join us at The MGroup Stadium on Wednesday 15th July with a 7:30pm kick-off.

🎟️ Tickets:
Adults – £4
Over 65/Mens Season Ticket Holders/NHS – £2.50
U18 – £1.50
U13 – £1.00
U7 – Free pic.twitter.com/HD6qXYCLyA

— Oxford United Women (@OfficialOUWFC) June 15, 2026

The U’s announced that four players had left the club at the end of last season in Holly Turner, Lucy Trinder, Maddison Millington-Stanbury and Maya Kendell.

Having retained a strong core of players, the Gilbert’s side added a star signing earlier this month with the addition of Sophie Quirk from rivals Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old scored a staggering 29 goals in 33 games for the Cherries last term and will add a new attacking threat to United who are keen to seriously compete for promotion next season.

Quirk said upon her arrival: “There is so much ambition in the Club and everyone has been so welcoming to me which makes me look forward.”

League One club Oxford had a bid rejected for the 22-year-old last month, according to Pete O’Rourke , with the Baggies and newly-promoted Championship side Lincoln City also seeing offers denied.

West Brom have since progressed in their talks for the centre forward and have reportedly reached an agreement to secure Stewart’s services.

The former Queens Park Rangers trainee scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Falkirk in the second half of last season, with the Bairns finishing sixth in the Scottish top tier.

Celtic’s Julian Araujo (left) and Falkirk’s Barney Stewart battle for the ball during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

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He has visited Birmingham and accepted the opportunity to play for James Morrison’s side, according to @talkwba , with Stewart wanting the move.

Contract details are still to be finalised with the signing announcement to follow.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Agreement reached for Barney Stewart to Join West Bromwich Albion. 22yo visited Birmingham recently & accepted opportunity; contract set to be finalised – announcement to follow. Primary target throughout + wanted #wba move. W/ @EyaWeGew @WestBromXtra pic.twitter.com/6DJJUozR6I

— westbrom.fc (@talkwba) June 15, 2026

The SFWA Young Player of the Year had addressed transfer links previously, saying: “It is insane.

“If it was to happen it would be a massive step and a quick rise if it does happen and one I would have to take in my stride.”

Oxford currently have strikers Nik Prelec and Mark Harris on their books but supporters are keen to see the club add a more prolific goal scorer to the ranks.