Oxford United have allowed midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker to depart on a season-long loan, with Bristol City confirming the deal and understood to hold an option to make the move permanent at the end of the arrangement.

The background

The 26-year-old Belgian joined Oxford from Dutch side Heracles Almelo in the summer of 2025, slotting straight into a squad that was fighting to retain its Championship status. That battle ultimately ended in relegation, and De Keersmaecker's own campaign was cut short before the final reckoning: a shoulder injury requiring surgery in February brought his season to a close, with his last appearance coming in January. In total he made 28 outings for the club, contributing one goal.

Since Oxford dropped back into the third tier, De Keersmaecker has not featured in any of the club's matchday squads, and it is understood the club were open to finding him a route back to regular football. The loan to Bristol City, who compete in a higher division, provides exactly that.

What it means for Oxford

For Oxford, navigating their first season back in League One under manager Des Ramsey, squad management is a careful balance. The U's have already added Kai Andrews on loan from Coventry this summer, while De Keersmaecker's departure frees up a wage slot and reduces a bloated midfield options list for a side that needs cohesion at the third-tier level rather than depth built for a division above.

Oxford made a difficult start to the campaign, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town before claiming their first win against Stevenage. The coming weeks will test whether Ramsey has the right midfield balance with De Keersmaecker now absent for the foreseeable future.

Bristol City's assessment

"We are pleased to add depth to our midfield and Brian will add that as well as quality," Bristol City manager Michael Skubala told his club's official website. The option-to-buy clause, according to the BBC's report, signals that the receiving club view the loan as a genuine audition for a permanent arrangement rather than a short-term fix.

The structure of the deal

According to the BBC, the agreement runs for the full season. The option to purchase means Oxford could yet receive a fee for the player, though no figure has been reported at this stage. For a club managing costs carefully after relegation, even a modest sell-on or permanent fee further down the line would represent useful income. Whether that clause is triggered will depend heavily on how De Keersmaecker performs once he has shaken off the effects of his shoulder surgery and worked his way back to match sharpness.

Oxford supporters will be watching his progress with interest: a player who arrived with genuine promise from the Eredivisie has yet to fully show what he can offer, and his development elsewhere this season may well shape whether he has a future at the Kassam Stadium beyond the summer.

Frequently asked

Why has Brian De Keersmaecker left Oxford United on loan?
De Keersmaecker has not featured in any of Oxford's matchday squads since they were relegated back to League One, and a season-long loan to Bristol City was arranged to give him regular football. Bristol City also hold an option to buy him at the end of the deal.
How many games did De Keersmaecker play for Oxford United?
He made 28 appearances for Oxford United, scoring one goal, before a shoulder injury ended his season early in February.
Will Oxford United receive a fee for De Keersmaecker?
Possibly. Bristol City hold an option to buy included in the loan agreement, according to the BBC, though no fee has been reported publicly. Oxford could benefit financially if that option is exercised.