In news recently announced, Oxford United have steamed in to snap up Gavin Whyte from Northern Ireland side Crusaders.
Whyte, a winger by trade, heads to the Kassam and a side looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. Oxford finished in a disappointing 16th place last season, just six points shy of the relegation places.
22-year-old Belfast-born Whyte was in prolific form for Crusaders last season, hitting 21 goals across the season – a large part of his 41 career goals for the Northern Ireland side. Before today’s move to England, Crusaders was all that Whyte knew of football, having signed for them as a 13-year-old in 2009.
One for @OUFCOfficial fans👀
Gavin Whyte made his mark for @CrusadersFC last season, here’s what Oxford fans can expect from their new recruit⚽️
➡️https://t.co/f2YKqwjmfR #BBCIrishPrem pic.twitter.com/5FLirQmiyT
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 13, 2018
Whyte was reported by Sky Sports to be a target for Championship side Leeds United, the Whites said to be wanting to add a wide-out goal threat to a side that itself underperformed last season. They were said to have been “in talks” for Irish Premiership winner Whyte, but those talks have obviously come to nothing.
Leeds United’s loss has turned into Oxford’s gain and the pacey winger can’t wait to get started with his new side. On the club’s official website Whyte said of the move: wanted to make sure it was the right move for me and as soon as I found out Oxford were interested I knew this was where I wanted to come. I have heard a lot of good things about both the Manager and the club and now I am determined to work hard, keep progressing and be part of a really successful season.”
Oxford are awaiting international clearance meaning that it is highly unlikely that he will play any part in his new club’s friendlies at Oxford City and Hampton and Richmond this weekend.
