U's snap up Crowley from Arsenal
Oxford United have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley on a season-long loan.
The highly rated 18-year-old hails from Coventry and started in the youth system at Aston Villa where he played for the under 16s when he was just 12. In 2013 he moved to Arsenal , signing professional on his 17th birthday and becoming a regular in their under -21 side
Last season saw him join Barnsley on loan, where he scored against Everton in the League Cup before being recalled by Arsene Wenger. Eligible for both the Republic of Ireland and England through his grandparents he has played youth football for both countries and is part of the current England under-19 set up.
United Head Coach Michael Appleton was delighted to add him to his squad:
“He is a really talented player, very creative and good on the ball. He sees a pass and an opportunity very quickly and can play just behind the striker, in midfield or coming in off the flanks so he offers us plenty of options.
“He has a fantastic future ahead of him and it’s great that Oxford is starting to build a reputation as a club where we can work with young players like Dan, nurture them and play a role in their development. At the same time we will only do so if we believe it benefits and strengthens the squad here and I think he definitely fits that bill.”
Dan said
“I’m glad to have the opportunity here. It’s obviously a club that is going places and did really well last season so I’m looking forward to settling in, working hard in pre-season and being part of a successful side again this time around.”