adminOxford United Let Him Go for £700k… What Happened Next Was Incredible
When John Lundstram arrived at Oxford United in 2015, few could have predicted that the midfielder would become part of one of the club’s smartest pieces of transfer business in modern years.
The Liverpool-born midfielder had spent over a decade in the academy at Everton and was regarded as a promising youth international. But after a series of loan spells across the Football League—with clubs like Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Blackpool—he needed a permanent home to kickstart his career.
Oxford gave him exactly that opportunity.
Lundstram’s Oxford United rise
When Lundstram joined Oxford on a two-year deal in 2015, he made it clear he wanted stability and regular football. That is exactly what he got at the Kassam Stadium.
Across two seasons with the U’s, Lundstram became one of the team’s most reliable midfielders. He made over 100 appearances for Oxford, scoring four goals and providing nine assists, while playing a key role in the club’s promotion push and their consolidation in League One.
His performances quickly attracted attention from higher divisions.
And Oxford were about to benefit.
Sheffield United’s £700k deal that proved a bargain
In July 2017, Sheffield United moved quickly to secure Lundstram’s signature, paying around £700,000 to bring him to Bramall Lane.
At the time, it looked like a decent fee for a League One midfielder entering the final year of his contract.
In hindsight, it was a steal.
Although Lundstram initially struggled to break into Chris Wilder’s midfield ahead of players like John Fleck and Paul Coutts, he eventually forced his way into the side.
Then came the season that made him a cult hero.
The Premier League season that made him a Blade legend
During the 2019/20 campaign, Lundstram became a vital figure as Sheffield United shocked English football.
Playing alongside Fleck and Oliver Norwood in midfield, he scored five Premier League goals and added two assists as the Blades finished an incredible 9th place in their first season back in the top flight.
For many Sheffield United supporters, Lundstram’s relentless energy and knack for arriving late in the box became symbolic of the team’s fearless style under Chris Wilder.
A Rangers hero after leaving England
After leaving Sheffield United in 2021, Lundstram joined Rangers FC on a free transfer.
In Glasgow, he enjoyed one of the most memorable spells of his career. He made 153 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists, and famously netted the decisive goal against RB Leipzig to send Rangers to the 2022 Europa League final.
Moments like that cemented his reputation as a big-game midfielder.
Where Lundstram is now in 2026
After a spell with Trabzonspor in Turkey, Lundstram returned to England in 2025 to sign for Hull City.
Now 31 years old, he continues to feature regularly in the Championship, making 17 appearances and scoring once during the 2025/26 season so far.
His career totals now stand at over 550 senior appearances, highlighting the longevity of the midfielder who once took a chance on Oxford to rebuild his career.
Why Oxford United fans should still be proud
For Oxford United supporters, Lundstram’s journey remains a reminder of the club’s ability to identify and develop talent.
A player who arrived looking for a fresh start left the Kassam Stadium as a £700k asset—before going on to become:
•a Premier League regular
•a European semi-final hero
•and a player with more than 500 professional appearances
Not bad for a signing that began as a simple two-year deal in League Two.
And it’s exactly the kind of story that reminds Oxford fans just how important smart recruitment can be.
admin
