Oxford United are thrilled to announce the signing of experienced Poland international defender Michał Helik.
Capped seven times by his national team and with four years of experience in the Championship with Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, Helik is one of the most assured central defenders in the EFL.
A Polish Cup winner in 2020, the 29-year-old has also won his club’s Player of the Season award in three of the last four years. Dominant in the air, Helik scored nine Championship goals last season, ending the campaign as Huddersfield’s top goal scorer.
He will go straight into Gary Rowett’s squad for tomorrow’s Championship home match against Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking about his excitement at joining United, he said: “I am joining this Club because I can see the ambition. This is the right place for me because there is a drive to improve and that matches my ambition.
“I have come here with the aim of helping to keep Oxford United in the Championship this season. We should always aim higher, and I will do my best every day to win for the Club and push us further up the table.
“I am experienced but also very hungry to learn and improve every day. I am ready to fight for this badge and I want to achieve our goals together. I am still improving, the best is yet to come from me."
Gary Rowett, Head Coach, said: “Michał has been one of the most dominant defenders in the Championship over the last four years. Each season at Barnsley and Huddersfield he has showcased his ability as a quality central defender. It’s fantastic for the Club to welcome a player of his pedigree into the group.
“Michał has been playing regular football for Huddersfield this season, showing his leadership as captain on a number of occasions. It’s a real positive for me as a Head Coach to know we are bringing in a player who can affect the starting XI straight away. We are excited to work alongside Michał going forward.”
Ed Waldron, Head of Football Operations, said: “Michał has been our number one target in central defence for several months. We have worked incredibly hard to get this deal over the line which is very exciting for us.
“Season-after-season, he has shown a high level of consistency. As a recruitment department, his level of performance gives us real confidence that he can come in and hit the ground running. With vast experience of this league, we expect Michał to immediately make an impact and become an important player for the Club.”
