Oxford United midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker has joined Bristol City on a season-long loan. The deal, confirmed by ca.sports.yahoo.com this week, includes an option for the Championship club to make the move permanent.
De Keersmaecker's departure comes as Oxford United sit 15th in League One with four points from their opening three matches. Their recent form reads LWD, with five goals scored and six conceded. They are six points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town.
Why did De Keersmaecker leave Oxford United?
The 26-year-old Belgian had fallen out of favour at the Kassam Stadium following Oxford's relegation from the Championship last season. He made his last appearance for the club in January and was not included in any matchday squads after the team dropped back into the third tier. His final months of the previous campaign were cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery in February, sidelining him during Oxford's ultimately unsuccessful fight for survival.
De Keersmaecker had joined Oxford United from Dutch side Heracles Almelo in the summer of 2025. His single season with the club ended in relegation, and his injury prevented him from contributing during the crucial final run-in. You can view the current squad composition on our squad page.
What does Bristol City manager Michael Skubala say?
Bristol City boss Michael Skubala welcomed the addition to his midfield options. "We are pleased to add depth to our midfield and Brian will add that as well as quality," Skubala told reporters. The manager's comments suggest De Keersmaecker is seen as both cover and competition for places at Ashton Gate.
The loan agreement is for the full 2026-27 season. The original report did not specify any transfer fee involved in the potential permanent move, focusing instead on the immediate loan arrangement. Bristol City currently sit 13th in the Championship table.
How does this affect Oxford United's midfield?
De Keersmaecker's exit further alters an Oxford United midfield that is adapting to life back in League One. His absence from the team since January means manager Des Buckingham has already been planning without him, but it officially removes one senior option from the roster.
The club's immediate focus shifts to their next fixture, an away trip to face Leicester City on September 5th. That match presents a significant challenge against a side also positioned in 13th place in the league standings. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures and standings pages.
Oxford's start to the season has been mixed, and the departure of a player who arrived just last summer indicates ongoing squad evaluation. The option-to-buy clause means this could become a permanent separation, depending on De Keersmaecker's performances in the Championship. His last competitive action for Oxford United was over seven months ago.
