Exclusive: Oxford United Midfielder Subject Of European Interest

Oxford United midfielder Marcus McGuane has attracted the interest of Polish side Legia Warsaw, who are keen to secure his services, sources have informed Look Sports Media. 

The 24-year-old has been a consistent feature for Des Buckingham’s side so far this season, but could he be destined for a return to Europe following his stint at the League One side?

Who is Marcus McGuane?

McGuane was a product of Arsenal’s Academy setup, rising through the ranks and into the U23s until he earned a big move to Spanish giants Barcelona in 2018.

However, his two-year stint in Spain came to an end and he returned to England by joining Premier League side Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee before moving to Oxford United, first on loan and then permanently in July 2021.

So far this season, McGuane has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Oxford United whilst contributing to four goals in the process.

What is his contract status?

Upon signing for Oxford United permanently in July 2021, McGuane penned a three-year contract at the League One side, signing for an undisclosed fee.

This means that his current contract is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season, allowing him to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-English side this month.

However, BBC Radio Oxford’s sports editor Jerome Sale confirmed back in September that the midfielder had an additional one-year option in his contract.

Pushing for promotion

Oxford United have slipped down the League One table in recent weeks and also suffered a heavy 6-2 FA Cup defeat at the hands of Championship side Coventry City earlier this month.

Buckingham’s side have slipped to fifth in the table, three points ahead of Stevenage in seventh although they have now dropped to six points behind the automatic promotion places.

Elsewhere, Legia Warsaw currently sit fifth in the Polish top flight, following their 6-0 victory against Olimpia Elblag. The club are currently nine points behind the league leaders but one point outside of the European places.

Writer’s View

McGuane has experience playing abroad and made 40 appearances during his time in Spain and that in itself is a huge attribute that not many other players have.

However, with Oxford United battling for promotion and given how key McGuane has been for the League One side so far, I’d expect them to trigger their one-year option before they even considered an exit for the midfielder.