Oxford United welcomes Portuguese forward Rúben Rodrigues as first summer signing

Oxford United Football Club is ushering in the summer with a new signing, securing Portuguese forward Rúben Rodrigues on a long-term deal.

Rodrigues, 26, will officially join the team on July 1, marking the first major signing for the club this summer. Rodrigues' arrival follows the expiration of his contract with Notts County. 

Excited about his move, Rodrigues shared with OUFC.co.uk, “It’s an exciting move for me. I loved my time at Notts County, and last season was amazing, but this is a chance to test myself at a higher level. The way that the Coach wants to play is similar to the way I like to play. The training facilities are great, the club has big ambitions, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Born in Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal, and raised in the Netherlands, Rodrigues played a critical role in Notts County's recent promotion to the EFL. Known for his technical skills and versatility on the front line, Rodrigues has also played for the Dutch side Den Bosch.

Head Coach Liam Manning spoke highly of Rodrigues, stating, “Rúben is a player that we watched a lot last season and he was involved in so many goals, both scoring and creating. We feel there is even more to come from him and can’t wait to see him in pre-season and to start working with him.”

Head of Player Recruitment, Ed Waldron, expressed his enthusiasm for Rodrigues' decision to join Oxford United, seeing it as a validation of the club's goals and playing style.

He noted, “There were a lot of clubs looking at him, which was hardly surprising given the way he has played for the last two seasons. For him to choose to come to Oxford, based on the way we want to play and where we see the club going, is a fantastic endorsement for us."