Oxford United have completed their fifth signing of the summer with right-back Fin Stevens agreeing to join on loan from Brentford for the season.
Fin, 20, was born in Brighton and joined the Arsenal Academy at the age of six. Having starred for Worthing as a 16-year-old he was snapped up by Brentford, becoming captain of their B Team. Stevens, who was on the bench for their Wembley play-off final win over Swansea to reach the Premier League, made his top flight debut in January 2022. Last season he joined Swansea City on loan while also playing for the Wales under 21 side.
Head Coach, Liam Manning, welcomed Fin to Oxford, saying: “It’s an amazing story to go from playing in the Isthmian League with Worthing to playing in the Premier League before you are 20. Fin has a great attitude and a very bright future ahead of him, so we are pleased to have him join us and look forward to working with him.”
Fin told oufc.co.uk: “I met the gaffer and listened to his vision. It feels like a club that is going places. Liam has a reputation for playing good football and that appeals to me, as does the chance to play regularly, learn from the experience and to be part of a very successful season - everything seems geared towards that.”
Head of Recruitment, Ed Waldron, added: “We have seen him play right-back, left-back and as a holding midfielder and he has been excellent in each role. He has that winning mentality and is a natural leader.”
“I watched him captain the Wales under-21 team last week and you can see why he is so highly rated by Brentford. Again, it’s another Premier League side having trust in us to look after one of their hugely talented young players, and we believe it is another really good signing for us.”
Fin will join fellow new boys James Beadle, Jordan Thorniley, Josh McEachran and Ruben Rodrigues in the U’s squad that fly out to Spain this weekend for a week-long training camp. Hear from the new boy below or in a full-length interview in iFollow.
The squad is taking shape, the fixtures are out and the season is just around the corner. CLICK HERE to book your Season Ticket or HERE to book your place for the home friendlies against Swansea City and QPR.