Oxford United have completed the signing of defender Luke Garbutt on a season-long loan from Everton.
The 25-year-old left-back has been at Goodison Park since he was 16 and has made five senior appearances as well as impressing while on loan at Cheltenham, Colchester, Fulham and Wigan. An England international at all age groups from under 16 upwards, Luke has 11 England under 21 caps and Manager Karl Robinson believes he will be a major asset for the U’s this season.
“He is a very good player and I am flattered if I’m honest that he sees Oxford as the club to help him take his career forward. I was a little bit shocked really and want to thank both Luke and his agent for the way they have looked at this and seen it as an opportunity to play regular football and put football ahead of the financial considerations. That doesn’t always happen these days and has been refreshing.
“I know Luke spoke to Ryan Ledson who loved his time here, and Oxford have also helped John Lundstram and JonJoe Kenny in recent years so Everton know he is coming to a club where we do things the right way.
“He will fly out to join us in Ireland today and we will continue to work hard to bring in more new faces as we strengthen and build towards the new season.”