Oxford United were not messing around this January.

Eight new additions and seven total outgoings concluded a winter transfer window which also saw a new head coach in Matt Bloomfield arrive in OX4.

There are a variety of type of deal that United have negotiated; two loan-to-buy additions, two standard loans, and four permanent transfers make up the octet of arrivals.

Ignoring the fact that Oxford have now got seven players in loan - Filip Krastev has been recalled by parent club Lommel SK - their business feels relatively ambitious yet fairly sensible.

The loans with options show a rational tentativeness to commit to players from the division below - Christ Makosso and Ruben Roosken - whilst the traditional loans see the additions of highly-regarded youngsters - Jamie Donley and Yunus Konak - who need to prove themselves and provide an instant impact.

Oxford United's Christ Makosso challenges Harrison Burrows of Sheffield United to the ball (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

There is a theme of youth across the board; five of the new additions are 22 or under, with the oldest being 26-year-old Jin-woo Jeon.

The permanent additions are commendable as all can be considered exciting players with a lot of potential to improve and become valuable sellable assets.

21-year-old Jamie McDonnell arrived from Nottingham Forest after impressing in League One with Mansfield Town and has already impressed, filling a whole in the squad that the U's needed.

Jamie McDonnell signs for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

Aidomo Emakhu is one who has plenty of Championship experience at a young age and signs on a long-term deal, a player who could provide instant impact and also be an asset should Oxford go down to the third tier.

Arriving from Korea, Jin-woo is a relative unknown but did draw interest from West Bromwich Albion and Europa League outfit Genk in Belgium last summer. He is an exciting attacking addition and will also, of course, provide some marketing opportunities abroad.

Myles Peart-Harris is slightly different as he is permanent but only on a deal until the end of the season, suggesting he will be looking to stay in the Championship beyond this campaign. He has been a real standout of the new men thus far.

READ MORE: Filip Krastev set to be recalled from Oxford United loan

Myles Peart-Harris celebrates scoring at Bramall Lane (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

You could argue that some of these are unproven having come from either abroad or the third deal, however, in Oxford's position, there is a feeling they have done as well as they can considering their stature.

READ MORE: Millwall did not want to sell Aidomo Emakhu to Oxford United

In terms of immediate consequences of the transfers, it feels as though Bloomfield is likely planning to use a five-at-the-back formation most often, as he has in the previous three games.

Defensive cover in Makosso and Roosken arriving hints at this which is a curious decision should it prove true. The U's kept two clean sheets in Bloomfield's first two games playing with four in defence and have failed to keep on in their matches played with five.

READ MORE: Bloomfield disappointed as Oxford United punished by Blades

It is worth noting, though, that the boss has said he is not totally set in his ways regarding team shape.

Matt Bloomfield applauds the Oxford United fans at Bramall Lane (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Regarding outgoings, things have felt slightly panicky.

The loan of Louie Sibley and recall of Luke Harris happened early, but after that it took until deadline day for a senior player to depart.

READ MORE: Oxford United lead before falling away against Sheffield United

A loan for Tom Bradshaw preceded the termination of both Matt Phillips and Jordan Thorniley which hint at a lack of any other option at the final hour.

Oxford will probably be disappointed not to have made a sale. The case of Siriki Dembele is a curious one; the midfielder was omitted from the squads for Leicester City and Birmingham City, hinting that he may go, but after not departing he then featured on Tuesday night against Sheffield United.

All in all, the U's business feels like it covers a lot of bases. The desire will, of course, be for all the signings to instantly perform and keep Oxford up, but the profiles of the additions suggest that disaster planning has also informed decisions.

© Oxford Mail