Oxford United are delighted to announce that Stan Mills has returned to the Club, signing on a permanent basis from Premier League side Everton.
A hugely impressive player during his loan spell in last season’s promotion success, the exciting 21-year-old forward quickly became a fan favourite with 27 appearances and seven goal involvements across all competitions.
A significant injury curtailed the highly rated winger’s time at United, but he joins ready to impact the squad after returning to the pitch with Everton’s Under-21 side earlier this month.
An integral part of last season’s team, Mills has now committed his future to United, putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.
Speaking about his delight on re-signing, Stan said: “This is where I want to be. Oxford United is like a home to me. I feel my business here at the Club is unfinished. I had the most enjoyable period in my career here last season. Now, I want to pick up where I left off and keep bringing success.
“2024 was a difficult year personally. I missed out on a lot of football, but it’s made me more determined to be back and give my all in yellow again.
“The Oxford United supporters have been truly incredible with me during the last 18 months. The fans are a huge reason I am back, now, I want to achieve big things together.”
United Head Coach, Gary Rowett, said: “Stan is somebody who was presented to me early on. Everyone within the Club has spoken incredibly highly of Stan as a player, but more importantly as a person. When the chance arrived to sign him permanently, it was one we wanted to take.
“What I enjoy about watching Stan is that he is confident playing on both sides of the pitch. He is as comfortable cutting in from the left on his right foot as he is driving down the right to get crosses into the box.
“When we look to sign players, we look for someone who will offer something different and improve our group. Stan certainly hits the mark on that front.
“We may need to be slightly patient with him having just returned from injury, but he is determined to get going. It’s fantastic to get him on a permanent deal and we will hopefully get the best of Stan over a number of years.”
Ed Waldron, Head of Football Operations, added: “Everyone at the Club is delighted to welcome Stan back into our group.
“It was extremely disappointing for him and the Club the way things ended last season. Stan was a huge presence within our team and one of the most consistent performers during the first half of last season.
“We constantly monitored his progress during the last year. We were very clear in wanting to bring Stan back to the Club, but we had to remain patient. He has proven his fitness again and is now ready to go.
“He is a player with an unbelievably high ceiling who can continue to improve and develop here with Oxford United. We are certain that his arrival with be a massive boost to the supporters and our playing group, and we can’t wait to see him flourish again.”
