Ex-Huddersfield Town midfielder joins Championship club on loan from Chelsea
Former Huddersfield Town midfielder Alex Matos has joined Oxford United on loan from Chelsea for the second half of the campaign.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of last term with Town, where he made 20 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder joins a side that sit 17th in the Championship table, with the new recruit making his debut for the club as a second-half substitute in their FA Cup defeat at Exeter City on Saturday.
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“This is the right move for me at this stage in my career,” Matos told his new club’s website. “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 (Gary Rowett), 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 ambition is to ensure the team reach that goal. For me, this is the right place to be.”
Head coach Rowett said: “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.”
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.”