admin
He’s Said YES To Oxford United – Shock Transfer Twist Leaves Rivals Furious
Oxford United are closing in on what could become one of the smartest Championship signings of the summer, with sources indicating that York City striker Josh Stones has now agreed in principle to join the U’s ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 22-year-old forward has emerged as one of the hottest names outside the top two divisions after a sensational season with York City F.C. — and Oxford appear to have stolen a march on several rivals who were also monitoring his situation closely.
Stones played a huge role in York’s dramatic National League title-winning campaign, finishing the season with 21 goals and 8 assists across all competitions while establishing himself as one of the most relentless and physically dominant forwards in the division.
His stock exploded nationally after scoring the now-iconic 103rd-minute equaliser against Rochdale on the final day — the goal that secured York’s return to the Football League in one of the most chaotic finishes English football has seen in years.
That moment turned Stones into an instant cult hero at York, but it also accelerated interest from Championship and upper-League One clubs. According to reports around the EFL, Oxford United, Reading, Stockport County and Luton Town had all been tracking the striker in recent months.
However, insiders now suggest Oxford have won the race after presenting a long-term sporting project that heavily impressed the player and his camp.
The U’s are believed to view Stones as a perfect fit for the aggressive, front-foot style the club wants moving forward following a difficult and inconsistent Championship campaign. Recruitment behind the scenes has reportedly shifted toward younger players with high ceilings, athletic profiles and strong resale value — and Stones ticks every single box.
Despite standing at just 22, the striker already carries the reputation of a player defenders hate facing. York supporters regularly praised his work rate, physicality and ability to drag teams up the pitch during their promotion run, with many fans describing him as “relentless” and “horrible to play against.”
His numbers back up the hype too.
Stones averaged nearly a goal contribution per game in the National League this season and ranked among the division’s best forwards statistically for goals, assists and attacking output.
Oxford also believe there is still major untapped potential in his game.
The striker only joined York permanently from Wigan Athletic F.C. in January 2025 after loan spells with Ross County F.C. and Oldham Athletic A.F.C., meaning his rise has been incredibly rapid.
What makes this potential move even more remarkable is the timing.
York had hoped promotion to League Two would convince Stones to remain for at least another season, especially with the striker under contract until 2028. But sources now suggest the opportunity to play Championship football — and become a central part of Oxford’s rebuild — proved too difficult to turn down.
There is still work to be done before any deal is officially completed, with negotiations between the clubs expected to continue over the coming weeks. York are expected to demand a sizeable fee for one of their most valuable assets.
But the biggest signal may already have arrived.
Josh Stones has reportedly said yes to Oxford United.
And across the EFL, plenty of rival clubs are not happy about it.
admin
