​Oxford United striker Ole Romeny has moved to Dutch club Fortuna Sittard on a season-long loan with an option to buy. The 26-year-old, who represents Indonesia at international level, joined Oxford in January 2025 from FC Utrecht. During his time at the Kassam Stadium, Romeny made 32 appearances and scored once, but could not prevent Oxford from dropping down to League One at the end of the season.
Romeny was born in the Netherlands and began his professional career with NEC Nijmegen. He later spent spells with Willem II and Emmen before making the move to Oxford United. His return to the Netherlands with Fortuna Sittard marks the latest development in a summer of transfer activity for the U’s, who have been operating under an EFL transfer embargo this season.
The deal sees Fortuna Sittard bolster their attacking options for the upcoming campaign, while Oxford United seek to recalibrate their squad amid the embargo and the challenge of competing in a lower division. Romeny’s departure follows the exit of Nik Prelec, who left Oxford on Friday, further reducing the number of players available to the club as they navigate the restrictions in place.
For Fortuna Sittard, acquiring a player with international experience and top-flight exposure could prove advantageous as they aim to improve their attacking threat in the Eredivisie. Romeny’s versatility and prior Premier League experience with Oxford may help him adapt quickly to Dutch football, where the tactical demands and tempo differ from England’s leagues.
From Oxford United’s perspective, the loan move provides a pathway for Romeny to showcase his abilities and potentially secure a permanent transfer if Fortuna Sittard exercise the option to buy. The arrangement also aligns with the club’s strategic objectives to manage their squad within the constraints of the ongoing EFL embargo, allowing for a reshaped lineup ahead of the next campaign while keeping financial considerations in check.
Romeny’s career trajectory has included international representation for Indonesia, despite his Dutch birthplace, reflecting the growing trend of players with multiple national eligibilities exploring opportunities across European leagues. His development at NEC Nijmegen, followed by periods with Willem II and Emmen, laid the groundwork for his entry into English football with Oxford United.
As the transfer window progresses, both clubs will monitor the impact of this loan on their respective seasons. Fortuna Sittard fans will be hoping Romeny can replicate the form that attracted Oxford to bring him in earlier, while Oxford United supporters will be watching closely to see whether the deal yields long-term benefits or a future sale that could help ease the financial and sporting pressures created by the embargo.
Ole Romeny’s move to Fortuna Sittard represents a notable shift in his career, offering him a fresh challenge in the Netherlands and the chance to contribute to Fortuna Sittard’s ambitions, while Oxford United prepare for life after his departure under the constraints of their transfer embargo.