Oxford United have completed their first signing of the 2024/25 season with experienced Championship midfielder Will Vaulks joining the club.
The Wales international will sign for United on July 1, after the expiry of his contract with Sheffield Wednesday.
The 30-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience in the second-tier of English football having spent the majority of his career in the division with the likes of Rotherham, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Over the past eight years he has played 222 times in the Championship and will bolster Des Buckingham’s squad for the club’s first season in the division in 25 years.
In his first official interview as an Oxford United player, he said: “I’m really happy to get it done. I’ve known about it for a while now and I’m really impressed by the ambition of the football club.
“There’s a structure in place and it feels like a club that wants to go in the right direction and hopefully we are on the journey upwards.
“What you will get from me is that I can look anyone in the eye and say I will give the club everything. I will work harder than anyone on the pitch and give my all.
“I hope you see a player that has a bit of everything and likes to get in amongst it and let the forward players cause problems. From a fan’s perspective you will see someone who gives everything every week and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach, Des Buckingham, said: “We are absolutely delighted to make Will our first signing of the season. Will brings a level of quality and experience to the squad which will be crucial as we embark on a new challenge in the Championship.
“He knows what it takes to be successful at this level and on the international stage, and his leadership qualities will be a key component for the new season.
“Ultimately, Will brings real quality to us on the pitch, and he will be an important player in our midfield going forward.”
Head of Recruitment, Ed Waldron, added: “Will is a player that we have followed for some time, and we are delighted to add him to our group for this Championship campaign.
“He’s a player who has shown for several years that he is a consistent performer at this level, and we worked extremely hard to ensure we could bring him into this exciting group which we are building.
“We are looking forward to seeing Will in a United shirt and we believe he will be an important character and player who can make a real impact over his time in Oxford.”