Oxford United sign Ter Avest and Marselino

Marselino Ferdinan will be the first Indonesian-born player to feature in the Championship if selected by the U’s this season.

Oxford United have signed right-back Hidde ter Avest and forward Marselino Ferdinan on free transfers.

Ter Avest, 27, has joined on a "long-term contract" having not been offered a new deal by Eredivise club FC Utrecht.

Indonesia international Marselino, 19, spent last season with KMSK Deinze in Belgium. He has three goals in 26 appearances for his country.

The pair become the U's 13th and 14th signings of the summer transfer window.

Ter Avest began his career with FC Twente and made 100 appearances for the club after his debut in 2015.

A move to Italian side Udinese followed ahead of the 2018-19 season before he returned to the Netherlands in 2021 to join Utrecht.

“Hidde is a very strong personality and another wonderful addition to our group," head coach Des Buckingham said.

“He is strong, quick, and has great technical ability and we are confident he will be an important player for us going forward."

Hidde ter Avest made 29 appearances for FC Utrecht in the 2023-24 season

Oxford United have been majority owned by Indonesian investors Anindya Bakrie and Erick Thohir since late 2022.

“The Club has strong ties with Indonesia and through our continuous conversations, we were made aware of Marselino’s ability," Buckingham added.

“While unproven at this level, it is clear that Marselino is extremely talented with good international experience, and it will be exciting to see how he adapts to life at Oxford United."

Marselino, who has over 3.9 million Instagram followers, started his career in Indonesia with Persebaya Surabaya.

"Being the first Indonesian-born player to play in the Championship if selected fills me with immense pride," he said.

The U's travel to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday.