Ruben Rodrigues has signed for League One club Oxford United on a free transfer after turning down a new deal at Notts County.
The 26-year-old’s departure from Meadow Lane always seemed likely this summer following another exemplary campaign in the National League as he helped Notts to a long-awaited promotion back to the EFL.
The Portuguese forward scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists last term and was once again a crucial part of the team as Luke Williams guided the Magpies into League Two via the playoffs.
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The dynamic forward has netted 51 times in total for Notts over three seasons and has been a key player throughout his time at the club, so it will come as no real surprise to see him move on to a higher division.
The club confirmed Rodrigues’ intentions shortly before his arrival at Oxford was confirmed, with the board of directors releasing a short statement thanking the player for his service.
They said: “We’d like to thank Ruben for his fantastic service to the club since his arrival in 2020.
“In joining us, he made a brave decision to move away from family and friends to further his career in a foreign country and he can certainly be proud of what he’s achieved.
“We made a very strong offer to retain him but, while we’re of course going to miss his qualities, we respect his decision and wish him every success for the future.”
With the departure confirmed and the speculation put to rest, County can fully focus on finding a replacement for their star man, which they have likely been preparing for some time before everything was confirmed.
The player himself makes two steps up in the end from playing in the National League last term to now being in League One with Oxford, who only just survived in the division, finishing two points above the last relegation spot.
Rodrigues said about the move: “It’s an exciting move for me. I loved my time at Notts County, and last season was amazing, but this is a chance to test myself at a higher level.
“The way that the coach wants to play is similar to the way I like to play. The training facilities are great, the club has big ambitions, and I can’t wait to get started.”
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