Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers have now been linked with the signing of Oxford United star Brian De Keersmaecker.
De Keersmaecker arrived at Kassam Stadium from Heracles ahead of the 2025-26 2026 campaign, where he received high praise from Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, who said: “Brian is a big step forward for the Club. We paid a huge amount to get Brian, which shows the level of support and backing from our shareholders.
“Brian is a very good player. We’re all excited to have him join us and we’re excited to see him play.”
Despite breaking the bank to sign the midfielder, the U’s were unable to avoid relegation from the Championship. That said, their summer signing still managed to impress on a personal level.
The 26-year-old made just 26 Championship appearances, but was Oxford’s top scorer, grabbing five assists and creating 37 chances, the club’s highest tally.
However, throughout his career, the Belgian has always worked in a defensive role, as he also flourishes when it comes to winning the ball back, averaging 5.9 per 90 points in the Championship last season.
Even though Oxford will be playing League One football next season, the former Heracles man may deserve another chance to prove himself in the Championship, and he may be given the chance to do just that.
QPR and Blackburn are coming forward to sign Brian De Keersmaecker
According to Football Insider, QPR and Blackburn have now tried to sign De Keersmaecker, who wants to leave Oxford following their relegation.
U’s knows it will be difficult to retain the services of the central midfielder, with Serie A and Bundesliga clubs also interested.
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Why QPR and Blackburn need to sign Brian De Keersmaecker |
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QPR |
QPR dropped to 15th last term, after losing their last four games of the campaign. Since then, Isaac Hayden has moved to Leyton Orient, while fellow midfielder Sam Field has joined Norwich City on a permanent deal. Therefore, Julien Stephan will need to improve his options in the middle of the park this summer, and the Oxford United star has shown he is comfortable at Championship level. |
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Blackburn Rovers |
Blackburn finished just five points clear of Oxford United in the Championship last season, in a very disappointing campaign, and the lack of goals was a real problem. Rovers found the net just 42 times in the second half, which was the second lowest number in the division. As such, Tony Mowbray could do with a player who can make things happen in the final third, and De Keersmaecker’s help last season suggests he could make a difference. |
Tony Mowbray opens up about Blackburn’s transfer plans
After discussions with the recruitment team, Mowbray suggested that Blackburn may not need to make many additions to the squad this summer, as last season’s poor finish was due to injuries.
The 62-year-old suspect said: “I was talking to Rudy (Gestede), Suhail (Pasha) and Adam (Owen). “Their belief is that we have a good team but they suffered serious injuries last year in the most critical areas of the pitch.
“If we can keep them in good shape, they think we will have a better season. Obviously I can try to sprinkle magic dust on some of them and improve them.”
