Jay Matete will spend the second half of the season on loan in League One after Sunderland agreed a deal with Oxford United for the 22-year-old midfielder. 

Matete moves out on loan for the second successive January transfer window following a successful stint with Plymouth Argyle last season where he made 22 appearances for Steven Schumacher's side, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship.

The move to Home Park propelled Matete into consideration upon his return to the Stadium of Light, with much hope of the midfielder signed from Fleetwood Town heading into the new campaign.

Matete was part of former head coach Tony Mowbray's plans during the club's pre-season tour of America where he was hit was a major setback after picking up a significant knee injury in the 4-2 win over North Carolina having opened the scoring for Sunderland. 

"It was a pretty innocuous collision but that's football," explained Mowbray. "It's a shame for him but it's part and parcel of the game - he'll get himself ready when he can."

Matete would end up sidelined for three months before his return to training in December. New head coach Michael Beale welcomed Matete back into his squad for the trip to Ipswich Town last month, where he was an unused substitute, before suggesting the remaining weeks of the January window would determine whether some players may need a loan move elsewhere - with Matete now confirmed as one of those. 

Matete moves to the Kassam Stadium where he will be hoping to contribute to another successful promotion push in League One before returning to Wearside in the summer.

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman commented: “We were pleased with Jay’s progress last season and he returned from his loan spell ready to challenge for a place in our team. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in pre-season but he’s worked hard to return to fitness and ensure he’s ready for the second half of the campaign.

"Jay’s immediate requirements are best supported by playing regularly in the coming months and we hope this move provides a platform for him to do that.”

Matete added on the move: “I have played against Oxford plenty of times and know they like to play the game the right way. They are in a strong position, have good players and a great set up. I can’t wait to get started.”

Oxford head of recruitment Ed Waldron has admitted that Matete is a player the League One side have admired for a while having impressed in games against the U's in recent years. 

“He’s a player we have admired for a while now," said Waldron. "He has dominated games against us at times with his commitment and energy. He is combative, very competitive and a great character who we believe will make a real impact here."

Head coach Des Buckingham added: “He has played a big part in both Sunderland and Plymouth doing well in this division, so he knows the league and what it takes to be successful in it. He is a very strong and powerful player who will bring additional strengths to our midfield. His ability to break play up and drive the team forward, along with a range of passing ability, will be important attributes to us between now and the end of the season.”