The U’s strengthened in every area of the pitch, bringing in experienced Championship campaigners like Matt Phillips and Will Vaulks, and Premier League youngsters Malcolm Ebiowei, Ben Nelson and Dane Scarlett on loan.
Other talented players, with both experience and room for further growth, such as Sirki Dembele, Idris El Mizouni and Louie Sibley, were also added.
Hull City and Portsmouth signed 15 players each, one short of United’s 16.
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We took at how the club’s second tier rivals got on during the window, and who we thought did the best business.
Burnley made some experienced, exciting attacking additions, with Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming arriving on loan from AFC Bournemouth and Millwall respectively.
Ecuador winger Jeremy Sarmiento, 22, promises flair on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
In defence, Joe Worrall is a sensible signing at centre half, as Scott Parker seeks to guide the Clarets straight back to the Premier League.
Cardiff City sit bottom of the Championship table, which is something of a surprise after some eye-catching signings during the summer.
Calum Chambers and Anwar El Ghazi are experienced professionals with 254 Premier League games under their belt, while Chris Willock has been a solid Championship performer for Queens Park Rangers.
The Bluebirds spent a reported £3 million on Alex Robertson from Manchester City, and there will be a lot of hope that the midfielder can help turn Cardiff’s fortunes around sooner rather than later.
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In addition to the U’s, fellow promoted side Derby County also conducted some impressive business.
Ebou Adams and Ben Osborn from Cardiff City and Sheffield United respectively would appear to be smart additions, as is the loan signing of Liverpool centre back Nat Phillips.
The Rams also took two players from Ipswich Town, following their promotion to the Premier League, with Marcus Harness arriving on loan, and Kayden Jackson already bagging three goals since his free transfer move.
The final clubs on our list are the Sheffield ones.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have flexed their muscle in the market, with fees paid for Peterborough United left back Harrison Burrows, Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper, and AFC Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore.
Callum O’Hare on a free transfer from Coventry City may just be the Blades’ best bit of business though.
Plenty of good Championship experience went through the door at Sheffield Wednesday, with Nathaniel Chalobah, Jamal Lowe and Max Lowe snapped up on free transfers.
U’s fans will of course be keen to see how James Beadle once again fares having returned to Hillsborough on loan.