Whoever is managing Championship club Oxford United’s social media channels just got a massively unexpected result. In just over 24 hours, their Instagram account has gained an extra almost 100,000 followers and counting. Today’s follower count stands at 175,000, compared to yesterday’s figure of 83,000. Why? Well, it’s because the club have signed Indonesian starlet Marselino Ferdinan, and he brings with him his own army of fans. To put the numbers into context, Oxford attract an average home attendance of around 9,000 at their Kassam Stadium.
Oxford United’s latest signing has paid off almost immediately after joining the club. The U’s completed a deal to sign Marselino Ferdinan on Monday afternoon. The 19-year-old forward joined on a free transfer after spending last season with Belgian second-tier side KMSK Deinze. As it turns out, Oxford haven't just got themselves a promising talent on the pitch, but someone who is already turning into their marketing department's dream.
The club’s social media channels have been inundated with messages from fans, both in England and Indonesia, since Ferdinan’s arrival was announced. Ferdinan, who hails from Indonesia, is one of the hottest prospects in Asia at the moment and has an immense social media following to boot - boasting 4million followers on Instagram alone. By comparison, Oxford United have just 161,000 followers, meaning that their new signing has almost 25 times as many fans as the newly-promoted Championship side. Of those 161,000 followers that Oxford hold, 25,000 of them came in the three hours that followed the official announcement of the teenage sensation.
Signing Dutch right back Hidde ter Avest on the same day, Oxford's announcement post for Ter Avest attracted 8700 likes - Ferdinan, however, attracted 333,000. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Ter Avest's signing announcement attracted 39,000 impressions while the Indonesian wonderkid's arrival attracted a whopping 1.2million impressions. Ferdinan could be the first Indonesian player to ever play in the Championship if he’s selected by Oxford this season. Speaking after signing, Ferdinan said: “I'm thrilled and still can't believe I'm here. Being the first Indonesian-born player to play in the Championship if selected fills me with immense pride. I won’t take this opportunity for granted, and I'll give 100% to make the most of it.
“My message to everyone is to keep supporting the team and know that I’ll do my best to compete and represent this club.”
Oxford's head coach, Des Buckingham said: “Marselino is a young exciting player. “The games we have watched and reports of him from Asia are that he is one of the best young players coming through, so it’s an opportunity to have him in here and be a part of what we do. “Having worked in Asia already, I know the depth of potential talent that can be unearthed there and I am looking forward to having him in the building to see how he progresses. “Marselino has lots of attributes that we look for in a player and a person and we can see he has a real desire to want to improve and take this opportunity.”
Ferdinan could make his Oxford debut when they travel to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon. Ferdinan’s arrival at Oxford is a major coup for the club, and it is clear that he is a player who has the potential to make a big impact in the Championship. His social media following is a testament to his popularity in Indonesia and around the world, and he is sure to be a popular figure amongst Oxford’s fans. His signing is also a sign of the growing ambition of Oxford United, who are looking to establish themselves as a force in the Championship.
The Player Behind The Numbers
The Indonesian international is a skilled midfielder and winger, known for his impressive dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create chances for his teammates. He made his professional debut at the age of 16 with Indonesian club Persebaya Surabaya and quickly earned a spot on the Indonesia national team. Marselino is one of the most highly-rated young talents in Asian football and has been likened to former Indonesian star Michael Essien. At just 19 years old, he is already a key player for the Indonesian national team. He has represented Indonesia at various youth levels, including the U-19 and U-23 teams. He was a member of the Indonesia U-23 team that won the Southeast Asian Games in 2023.
A Historic Move?
Marselino's signing could be a historic one. He is poised to become the first Indonesian-born player to play in the Championship, making a significant impact on English football. He brings with him a passion for the game and a commitment to representing his country on a global stage. As he takes the field for Oxford United, he carries the hopes and dreams of millions of Indonesian fans. His move to England is a testament to the growing influence of Asian football on the international stage.
A New Era for Oxford United?
Ferdinan’s signing is not only a huge boost for Oxford’s social media presence but also a major statement of intent from the club. The U’s are looking to build a squad that can compete at the top end of the Championship, and Ferdinan is a key part of their plans. The club has made a number of impressive signings this summer and are looking to push for promotion to the Premier League in the coming years. The signing of Ferdinan is a sign that they are serious about their ambitions and that they are willing to take risks to achieve their goals.
While it remains to be seen whether Ferdinan can live up to the hype, there is no doubt that he has the potential to be a star in the Championship. With his talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game, he has the potential to help Oxford United reach new heights. The club and its supporters are eagerly awaiting his debut. He could very well be the game-changer Oxford needs to get back to the top flight, where the club last played in 1986.
