Huddersfield Town defender Michal Helik has joined Oxford United for an undisclosed fee. The centre-back departs the Terriers following a two-and-a-half year spell with the club, where he made 100 appearances and scored 13 goals in all competitions.

The 29-year-old has signed for a side that sit 17th in the Championship table, following their promotion from League One last term.

“As a club, we had an incredibly honest conversation with Michal and his representatives in the summer following relegation from the Championship, and we’ve maintained a good working relationship with all concerned throughout,” Town’s sporting director Mark Cartwright told his club’s website.

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“At the time, the only enquiry we received regarding Michal was from a side we believed would be a direct rival in League One, and we were firm in our position that no such transfer would be sanctioned. However, due to our understanding with both player and agent, we agreed with Michal that should an agreeable offer be received from a side in a higher division, we would not stand in his way again.

“We have accepted an offer that we believe is in the best interest of the club, especially with Michal’s current contractual status in mind, and it’s a challenge that Michal has decided to take on, which we respect. This isn’t a transfer that is financially motivated or one that we have been forced to make, but we are sticking to the word we gave Michal safe in the knowledge that the deal presented benefits to all concerned.

“He departs with his head held high and with our collective best wishes for the future, having given his all for Huddersfield Town in his time here.”

Head coach Michael Duff added: “Michal has been a brilliant professional to deal with since I’ve joined the club. He understood and respected our decision to retain his services in the summer, and has continued to work hard in the time since.

“Despite his individual ambitions to be back in the Championship matching our own as a club, Michal has opted to pursue a new challenge, and we have received an offer that works for both parties and is in everyone’s best interests.

“When you’re doing well, it’s only natural that other sides become interested in your players. Michal has been a credit to the team in his time at the club, but we are confident that we have the depth in that position within the squad already to continue progressing in the same way.”