OXFORD United have made their second signing of the January transfer window with the addition of midfielder Alex Matos from Chelsea on loan.
The 20-year-old, who can also play further forward, joined the Blues from Norwich City in July 2023, having featured for the Under-18 and Under-21 teams with the Canaries.
Matos made his Chelsea first team debut as a late substitute in a 2-0 win at Fulham in October 2023, and also featured from the bench in a Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn Rovers.
He played the full 90 minutes when the U’s beat Chelsea Under-21s 5-0 in the EFL Trophy back in November 2023.
Matos joined Huddersfield Town on loan in Sky Bet Championship last January, and he played 19 times in the second tier, 15 of which were starts, but was unable to help stop the Terriers from being relegated.
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He goes straight into the United squad for the Emirates FA Cup third round trip to Exeter City, and told the U’s club website: “This is the right move for me at this stage in my career. I’m joining a team where I hope I can make a difference and win a lot of games while continuing to improve as a player.
“I have spoken with the gaffer, and I am confident I can help the team and become a better player under his guidance.
“I’m a tenacious player who likes to get up and down the pitch and put a tackle in. Having experienced the Championship last season, I’m really happy to be back in the league as I feel it suits my style.
“My aim is to come in and make an instant impact. It will be massive for us to stay in this league and my goal is to ensure the team reach that goal. For me, this is the right place to be.”
United head coach Gary Rowett added: “Alex has a great pedigree as a player and I was impressed with what he showed last season at Huddersfield.
“There’s a huge hunger in the player to come in and succeed and that’s a mentality that is exciting to work with as head coach.
“He will offer something different to us which is important to ensure we have many different options. I’m looking forward to working with him straight away to see how he can enhance the midfield and the team.”
U’s head of football operations Ed Waldron said: “Alex’s talent has been evident since his time with Norwich City, and watching him develop at Huddersfield Town last season showcased he is ready to compete at this level.
“We have built a strong relationship with Chelsea over the last few years, and we have developed a reputation over that time as a place where talented young players can flourish.
“To have the opportunity for Alex to continue his development here showcases the trust that Chelsea and other Premier League clubs hold in Oxford United which is fantastic as we benefit in bringing a top professional and quality player into our building. Now, we look forward to watching his progress across the season.”