Michal Helik joins Oxford: Reaction and Huddersfield Town explanation
The centre-back has left the John Smith's Stadium in search of Championship football
Michal Helik has left Huddersfield Town in a permanent move to Championship side Oxford United for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old centre-back has made 100 appearances for the club in all competitions since arriving from Barnsley in summer 2022, winning the fan-voted Player of the Year in 2022/23 and 2023/24 and finishing as Town’s top scorer in the latter season.
Helik was set to go out of contract at the end of the season, albeit the club are believed to have held a one-year extension clause.
Sporting director Mark Cartwright said in a club statement: “As a club, we had an incredibly honest conversation with Michal and his representatives in the summer following relegation from the Sky Bet Championship, and we’ve maintained a good working relationship with all concerned throughout.
“At the time, the only enquiry we received regarding Michal was from a side we believed would be a direct rival in Sky Bet League One, and we were firm in our position that no such transfer would be sanctioned.
“However, due to our understanding with both player and agent, we agreed with Michal that should an agreeable offer be received from a side in a higher division, we would not stand in his way again.
“We have accepted an offer that we believe is in the best interest of the club, especially with Michal’s current contractual status in mind, and it’s a challenge that Michal has decided to take on, which we respect.
“This isn’t a transfer that is financially motivated or one that we have been forced to make, but we are sticking to the word we gave Michal safe in the knowledge that the deal presented benefits all concerned.
“He departs with his head held high and with our collective best wishes for the future, having given his all for Huddersfield Town in his time here.”
Head coach Michael Duff added: “Michal has been a brilliant professional to deal with since I’ve joined the club. He understood and respected our decision to retain his services in the summer, and has continued to work hard in the time since.
“Despite his individual ambitions to be back in the Sky Bet Championship matching our own as a club, Michal has opted to pursue a new challenge and we have received an offer that works for both parties and is in everyone’s best interests.
“When you’re doing well, it’s only natural that other sides become interested in your players. Michal has been a credit to the team in his time at the club, but we are confident that we have the depth in that position within the squad already to continue progressing in the same way.”
We Are Terriers reaction
Many fans are disappointed by the news of Helik’s departure, which is understandable when we’re talking about a reigning and defending two-time club player of the year.
Helik has undoubtedly been a massive player for Town through his two and a half years at the club, and there can be no pretence that losing a player of his stature, and who was a near-automatic starter when fit, is a loss.
The question is just how big a loss he actually is to Town right in the here and now.
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