National League side Oxford City has announced the signing of free agent defender Brooklyn Kabongolo and goalkeeper Tom Watson on loan from Wigan Athletic confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
Kabongolo joins the club on a deal until the end of the season, having recently left Southend United and reportedly agreed to join League Two Crawley Town at the end of the season, sources informed LSM Sports.
The 21-year-old Frenchman began his career at Ipswich, working his way up the academy system before joining Billericay Town at the start of this season for his first taste of senior football. His stint at the Isthmian Premier side was short though, as he made the move to Southend United to play on a non-contract basis while the club was under a transfer embargo and had recently become a free agent after reportedly failing to agree on a new deal with The Shrimpers.
Joining Kabongolo at Oxford City is goalkeeper Tom Watson. The 20-year-old joins the club on a rolling loan deal with preferred which will give Oxford City to extend or cancel his loan after each week.
Watson has spent his whole career at League One Wigan Athletic, working his way up the academy system. Watson is yet to make an appearance for Wigan, with this loan move giving him his first opportunity in the men’s game to showcase his talents.
What do Kabongolo and Watson add to Oxford City?
Watson joins in an attempt to fix Oxford City’s goalkeeper woes of recent weeks. With Previous loanee, Jack Bycroft making a permanent move to Swindon Town and Chris Haigh seemingly out of favour, manager Ross Jenkins has looked to Marcin Brzozowski to fill in between the sticks. since the departure of Bycroft, the club has shipped 14 goals in just six games.
The arrival of Watson gives Jenkins another option to look to, and despite being an unproven player in senior football, the Latics keeper is looked at in high regard by Wigan fans and will be looking to impress during his time at the club.
On the other hand, Kabongolo has had experience this season in the National League and has been impressive when called upon. In 13 games for Southend, including just six starts, the center-back averaged 3.2 interceptions per 90, as well as 6.3 recoveries per 90 as well, showing he reads the game well. On the other hand, he has only won on average 51% of his total duels and 41% of his total duels, showing at only 21 he still has room for improvement on the physical side of his game.
Will The Two New Signings Solve Oxford’s Defensive Woes?
Having signed the duo off the back of a 7-2 defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge, it was clear Oxford needed to make some defensive reinforcements. With Jenkins men sitting bottom of the table, they have to gamble, and Watson is exactly that. although he is highly regarded, it’s a risk bringing in a young goalkeeper given their current situation, but just because it’s a risk doesn’t mean it won’t pay off.
On the other hand, Kabongolo is a great addition. He has National League experience already and adds mobility to their defense. With the recent addition of Giles Phillips, they are moving in the right direction with defensive recruitments but may be too late for them to avoid the drop unfortunately.