Oxford United closing in on free-agent signing Jordan Thomas
Oxford United are set to complete a deal for free agent Jordan Thomas after the 25-year-old winger's exit from Cheltenham Town. The U's have been tracking Thomas since his contract expired, and The 72 report the move is now very close to being finalised.
Thomas, who grew up in Oxford and came through the U's academy, enjoyed a strong League Two campaign last term. He scored eight goals and made six assists in 43 appearances as Cheltenham finished 18th and survived relegation. His cup run against Leicester City drew interest from Championship clubs including Bristol City and Swansea City before he joined Cheltenham in 2023.
The left-footed winger would give Oxford a boost in attack and offer competition for Stan Mills on the right wing. With only one natural right midfielder in the squad, Thomas provides a different option to balance the team. The U's, now under new head coach Aaron Ramsey, have already added Frankie Kent on a free transfer this summer.
Oxford's pre-season training resumed last week under Ramsey, who took over from Matt Bloomfield last month. Head of football operations Ed Waldron has insisted the club is ready to finalise deals after a busy off-season in recruitment. The U's are still chasing more signings to strengthen the squad ahead of their League One campaign.
Why this move matters for Oxford United
Thomas brings local ties and Championship-level potential. His eight-goal, six-assist return last season proves he can deliver in League Two, while his cup run against Leicester City showed he can handle bigger games. The U's, who finished 22nd in the Championship last season with 47 points from 46 games, need more attacking quality to push for a better position.
The 25-year-old's ability to play on either wing gives Ramsey more tactical flexibility. With Oxford 14 goals off a healthy goal difference last term, every addition counts. They shipped 59 goals in 46 games, leaving them well short of safety margins.
What happens next for Thomas and the U's
A deal is expected to be completed before the July 21 away trip to Aldershot Town in the EFL Trophy group stage. Oxford and Cheltenham are also drawn together in that competition, adding extra significance to the potential move.
Thomas has already made his mark in Oxfordshire football, starting his senior career with Didcot Town before spells at North Leigh and Bath City. His return to the U's would cap a homecoming for the local product. Ramsey will hope the signing can help Oxford build on their recent LWWL form after May's 2-0 loss at Millwall.
