Bristol City have completed the signing of midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker on a season-long loan from Oxford United. The 26-year-old Belgian joins with an option for a permanent transfer.
Michael Skubala's side currently sit 5th in the Championship table with seven points from their opening four matches. Their recent form reads WWDL, and they are just three points behind early leaders Swansea City. The move bolsters a midfield ahead of a key away fixture against Burnley on 5 September.
Brian De Keersmaecker is a 26-year-old midfielder who joined Oxford United from Dutch Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo in the summer of 2025. His first season in England ended in relegation from the Championship with Oxford. He suffered a significant shoulder injury last February which required surgery, forcing him to miss the final months of the 2024-25 campaign. His last appearance for Oxford came in January, and he has not been part of any matchday squad since the club's return to League One.
Manager Michael Skubala identified a need for additional options in the centre of the park. "We are pleased to add depth to our midfield and Brian will add that as well as quality," Skubala said. The loan deal includes an option to buy, giving City flexibility to assess the player's contribution over the course of the season. With seven goals scored and six conceded so far, the squad is looking for consistency.
The signing arrives as Bristol City prepare for a busy period. Their next match is against 23rd-placed Burnley, a key opportunity to build on their solid start. De Keersmaecker offers a different profile in midfield, and his recovery from a long-term injury will be managed carefully. The club's standings position shows they are in a promising early playoff spot, and squad depth will be tested. City fans can track the team's progress through the stats page for detailed metrics.
Integration into Skubala's training methods is the immediate priority for the new arrival. The medical staff will work on building his match fitness following his lengthy absence. His first chance to feature could come soon after the international break, depending on his adaptation. The season-long nature of the loan provides a clear runway for him to prove his worth at Ashton Gate. The next fixture, away at Burnley on 5 September 2026, is the immediate focus for the team.
