• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

U’s snap up centre back in time for Rovers clash

Byoxfordnewspaper

Jan 18, 2025

OXFORD United have signed centre back Michal Helik for an undisclosed fee from Huddersfield Town.

The 29-year-old Poland international has been registered in time for United’s home game against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow afternoon.

Helik began his career with Polish sides Ruch Chorzow and then Cracovia, prior to joining Barnsley in Sky Bet Championship in September 2020.

He made 43 second tier appearances as the Tykes reached the play-offs in his debut campaign, but were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Swansea City in the semi-finals.

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After making 89 appearances in all competitions, Helik joined the Terriers in September 2022 on a three-year deal, with the club holding the option for a further 12 months.

Last season, he developed a reputation as a goalscoring centre half, grabbing nine goals in 41 Championship games.

Helik remained with the Terriers following their relegation to League One at the end of last season, and has featured 21 times in all competitions during the current campaign.

He made his Poland debut in March 2021, and in total, has collected seven caps for his country. Helik was in the squad for the delayed Euro 2020, but didn’t make an appearance at the tournament.

Helik told the U’s website: “I am joining this club because I can see the ambition. This is the right place for me because there is a drive to improve and that matches my ambition.

“I have come here with the aim of helping to keep Oxford United in the Championship this season. We should always aim higher, and I will do my best every day to win for the club and push us further up the table.

“I am experienced but also very hungry to learn and improve every day. I am ready to fight for this badge and I want to achieve our goals together. I am still improving, and the best is yet to come from me.”

United head coach Gary Rowett added: “Michal has been one of the most dominant defenders in the Championship over the last four years. Each season at Barnsley and Huddersfield he has showcased his ability as a quality central defender. It’s fantastic for the club to welcome a player of his pedigree into the group.

“Michal has been playing regular football for Huddersfield this season, showing his leadership as captain on a number of occasions. It’s a real positive for me as a head coach to know we are bringing in a player who can affect the starting XI straight away. We are excited to work alongside Michal going forward.”

Helik is the fourth player to join the U’s during the January transfer window, following midfielder Alex Matos on loan from Chelsea, plus Netherlands-born forward Ole Romeny and Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw.

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About the author

Liam is the sports reporter for the Oxford Mail, primarily focusing on Oxford United.

He joined in November 2019 as a news reporter, and has previously covered patches including West Oxfordshire, education and local politics.

Liam received a Masters in Journalism from UCLan and can be found on X through the handle @OxMailLiamRice