Oxford United are closing in on a deal to sign free agent winger Jordan Thomas following his departure from Cheltenham Town.
The 25-year-old is available after scoring eight goals for his club, leaving the Robins at the end of the 2025/26 season. The U’s are now reported to be moving towards an agreement as Aaron Ramsey continues to shape his squad ahead of the new League One campaign.
Thomas would become Oxford’s second summer addition, following the arrival of Frankie Kent on a free transfer. The club returned for pre-season last week under Ramsey, who replaced Matt Bloomfield as head coach last month, and further business has been expected after a period of change behind the scenes.
Head of football operations Ed Waldron recently reassured supporters that Oxford were ready to get deals done, despite the club also seeing head of recruitment Scott Mitchell depart for Leyton Orient. Thomas now appears to be one of the players identified as the U’s look to strengthen their attacking options.
Jordan Thomas Oxford Links
The winger already has strong local links. Born in Oxford, Thomas spent time in the United academy before beginning his senior career with Didcot Town in 2020. He then moved on to North Leigh, where he built a strong reputation in non-league football, scoring 20 league goals in 78 appearances.
His form earned him a move to Bath City in 2023, and he quickly impressed in the National League South. During his spell at Twerton Park, Thomas scored 10 goals in 28 league appearances and was linked with Championship interest from Bristol City, Swansea City and Cardiff City.
Cheltenham Town moved to sign him in February 2024, handing him his first EFL opportunity on a two-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut days later against Wycombe Wanderers and went on to establish himself as a regular, ending his time with the club with 93 league appearances and 14 league goals.
Last season was his most productive in league terms at Cheltenham. Thomas scored six goals in 39 League Two appearances during 2025/26, while wider reports credited him with eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances in all competitions as the Robins finished 18th.
Oxford’s interest also follows previous attention from League One clubs. Barnsley were linked with Thomas during the January window, while his FA Cup display against Leicester City also helped raise his profile.
A left-footed wide player, Thomas would add another option on the right side of Oxford’s attack. Stan Mills is currently the most natural right-sided midfielder in the squad, and Thomas’ profile would give Ramsey a different balance in the final third.
Thomas would arrive with a profile that suits Oxford’s current position in the market. He is available without a fee, knows the area, came through the club’s youth system and has just completed two productive seasons in the EFL after forcing his way up from non-league.
The attraction for Ramsey is clear. Oxford would be adding a left-footed wide player with goals in his game, while Thomas would get the chance to return to his hometown club at a level above the one he has just left.
