Crewe Alexandra are closing in on a deal to sign defender James Golding from Championship side Oxford United on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old has impressed consistently out on loan in the National League recently, and is now set for his first taste of EFL football on a consistent basis, registering just three senior EFL outings before this move gets finalised.
Golding remains out of favour as things stand at the Championship side and looks set to head out on loan once again.
Crewe close on Golding capture
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Crewe Alexandra are closing in on a deal to sign Oxford United defender James Golding on a season-long loan, becoming their latest Championship signing this summer.
Golding spent last season on loan in the National League with both Maidenhead United and Southend United, experiencing most people’s childhood dreams of their side making it to Wembley Stadium, even if they did end up on the losing side.
After back-to-back loans, he’s set to apply his trade in League Two.
How did he fare last season?
In September 2024, Golding was re-signed by Maidenhead United on loan after being an unused substitute for Oxford’s EFL Cup matches.
He scored on his debut against Dagenham & Redbridge in a 1-1 draw, before going on to register a further seven appearances whilst scoring another goal – this time against Oldham Athletic.
A month later, Golding was signed by Southend United and made 13 appearances in the National League as well as going on a run where he scored in three successive matches against Yeovil Town, Woking and Altrincham.
Is Crewe the perfect move?
On paper, Golding has been one of the National League‘s most underrated players throughout the previous campaign and has deserved the opportunity to make his mark in the EFL moving forward.
Meanwhile, Crewe Alexandra have a proud history when it comes to developing young players – whether that’s their own academy graduates or loanees that they’ve obtained from clubs in a higher division.
Golding needs consistent minutes to prove himself to Oxford United and if all goes well, there is always the outside chance that he may move up to League One on loan in January.