Linfield have announced the imminent departure of winger Joel Cooper after he agreed to join League One side Oxford United when the transfer window opens next month.
The 24-year-old will swap Windsor Park for the Kassam Stadium on a three season deal after two successful years with the Blues which produced 21 goals in 81 appearances after he had joined from Glenavon.
Cooper is, of course, the latest in a recent line of emerging NIFL stars to make the journey across to the university town, following the footsteps of Mark Sykes and Gavin Whyte over the last couple of years.
Linfield boss David Healy, whilst sorry to see Cooper go, was full of praise for his efforts for the Danske Bank Premiership champions.
"I want to thank Joel for the major contribution he made to our successes over the past couple of years. He was a brilliant lad to work with and he was a very popular player both in the changing room and with our supporters as well," he told LinfieldFC.com.
"His consistent and excellent performances in our team have earned him this exciting move to Oxford and we all want to wish him every success and happiness as he embarks on this next important chapter in his football career.
"He leaves us with many memories of exciting wing play, goals and assists and we want to place on record our appreciation for all his efforts in the service of his club."
