WHILE the focus remains on the ins and outs at Oxford United, certain other transfers inevitably catch the eye.
A host of former U’s players have moved to new clubs this summer and it is always interesting to see how they get on.
From Ibrox to Ipswich and Birmingham to Barrow, these are some of the ex-United men who have been involved in moves up and down the country.
WES BURNS
Burns played nine times in two months during a brief loan spell in 2014/15.
The forward has since developed into a solid Sky Bet League One player and was the first of several notable summer signings made by early promotion favourites Ipswich Town, backed by their new American owners.
Wes Burns playing against Oxford United for Fleetwood Town Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt
JORDAN GRAHAM
The winger signed a two-year deal with Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City after scoring 13 goals in 44 games for third-tier Gillingham last season, including one against United.
Graham made 25 U’s appearances across two loan spells in 2015 and 2019 and could face his former side in a behind-closed-doors friendly this Saturday.
Jordan Graham Picture: James Williamson
JOE GRAYSON
The 22-year-old played just six times after joining United on loan from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day in January.
He will be hoping for a more successful time at Sky Bet League Two outfit Barrow, where he has signed a two-year deal.
Joe Grayson Picture: David Fleming
JOHN LUNDSTRAM
The former U’s captain racked up more than 100 games between 2015 and 2017, playing almost 50 games when Michael Appleton’s side were promoted from League Two in 2016.
Lundstram moved to Sheffield United and impressed in the Premier League, with Rangers securing his services on a three-year deal.
John Lundstram Picture: David Fleming
CHRIS MAGUIRE
The forward has been reunited with Appleton at Lincoln City after League One rivals Sunderland did not offer him a new contract.
Maguire enjoyed plenty of success in a season-and-a-half at Grenoble Road, winning promotion in 2016 and scoring a club-high 17 goals as United finished eighth in their first campaign back in the third tier.
Lincoln visit the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, August 28.
Chris Maguire Picture: David Fleming
CONOR MCALENY
After joining United on loan from Everton in January 2017, McAleny did not take long to make his mark.
In just 19 games, the forward scored ten goals – including two hat-tricks – and had the most prolific season of his career last season at Oldham Athletic, finding the net 21 times in League Two.
The 28-year-old moved on but stayed in the north west, joining Salford City on a two-year contract.
Conor McAleny Picture: Richard Parkes
ALEX MOWATT
The midfielder showed flashes of class on loan at United from Barnsley in 2017/18, scoring three goals in 34 matches.
He returned to the Tykes and shone as they reached the Championship play-offs last season, which saw him follow boss Valerien Ismael to West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal.
Alex Mowatt Picture: David Fleming
JONATHAN OBIKA
Two years after leaving United, the experienced striker is back in League One after signing a two-year deal with newly-promoted Morecambe.
Obika scored eight goals in 57 U's matches between 2017 and 2019, before moving to Scottish side St Mirren.
Jonathan Obika Picture: David Fleming
MIDE SHODIPO
The winger has joined Sheffield Wednesday from QPR on a season-long loan, having spent 2020/21 at United.
Shodipo, 24, had not scored in 44 senior appearances before arriving at the Kassam Stadium last October, but struck 13 times in 46 games to help the U’s reach the League One play-offs.
Wednesday’s relegation to the third tier means he will face United this season, with the first meeting at Hillsborough on October 2.
Mide Shodipo Picture: David Fleming
SAM SMITH
At just 23, the striker has already played for six clubs and re-joined Cambridge United this summer on a two-year deal.
Smith scored three times in 23 U’s matches on loan from Reading at the start of 2018/19 and could line up in United’s season-opener at The Abbey Stadium on August 7.
Sam Smith Picture: David Fleming
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