The impending transfer of 23-year-old midfielder Idris El Mizouni to Oxford United from Ipswich Town is set to be finalized for a reported fee of £400,000, accompanied by a three-year contract, according to recent reports.
El Mizouni, known for his combative style in midfield, spent the past two seasons on loan at Leyton Orient, contributing significantly to their success. He played a pivotal role in Leyton Orient’s achievement of winning the League Two title in the 2022/23 season and subsequently finishing in the top half of League One in the following campaign.
Oxford United has reportedly triumphed over competition from Derby County and Barnsley in securing El Mizouni’s services this summer. This move comes as part of manager Des Buckingham’s efforts to build a competitive squad capable of thriving in the Championship following their playoff triumph in May.
Despite making his debut for Ipswich Town back in 2019, El Mizouni struggled to secure regular playing time with the club in recent seasons. He embarked on five different loan spells away from Ipswich, starting with two stints at Cambridge United. His temporary moves also included a six-month spell at Grimsby Town during the 2020/21 season before establishing himself as a key figure in Leyton Orient’s midfield over the past two years.
El Mizouni’s impact at Leyton Orient was significant from his initial loan spell in the summer of 2022. His presence in midfield was instrumental in Richie Wellens’ team’s dominant campaign, featuring in 41 league matches as they clinched the League Two title comfortably. Such was his influence that Leyton Orient sought a second loan spell for the Tunisian midfielder last summer, where he seamlessly transitioned to League One football.
Accumulating a total of 81 league appearances for Leyton Orient, El Mizouni garnered invaluable experience in the Football League, showcasing his tenacity and defensive acumen. His performance metrics from the previous season highlight his effectiveness, with statistics showing an average of 1.8 successful tackles per 90 minutes, placing him among the top 20 players in the division for ball recoveries. Additionally, his 1.2 interceptions per 90 metric also ranked impressively among League One midfielders.
Upon completion of El Mizouni’s anticipated transfer to Oxford United, he will become the seventh signing for the club this summer under Des Buckingham’s management. Oxford United’s preparations for their Championship campaign have been proactive, having already secured the services of goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and defender Jacob Knightbridge.
Midfielder Will Vaulks joined from Sheffield Wednesday, while additions such as Louie Sibley from Derby County and Peter Kioso from Rotherham United bolster the squad’s depth and versatility. Most recently, Jack Currie arrived from AFC Wimbledon, enhancing the team’s defensive options ahead of the new season.
The acquisition of El Mizouni underscores Oxford United’s ambition to strengthen their squad significantly as they prepare to compete at a higher level in the Championship. His proven track record in the lower divisions, coupled with his robust midfield presence, positions him as a valuable asset in the team’s bid for success in the upcoming season.
