Key Points
- Former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri has signed for National League North club Oxford City on a free transfer.
- The 36-year-old reunites with Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins, who played with him at Watford.
- Forestieri previously played for Udinese, Genoa, Bari, Empoli, Johor Darul Ta’zim, and AEL Limassol.
- He made 90 appearances and scored 21 goals for Watford, alongside 40 goals in 134 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday.
- Forestieri said his family’s wish to live in England influenced the decision, while Jenkins cited the forward’s experience as a factor in making the signing.
MARSTON (Oxford Daily) October 3, 2026 — As reported by Liam Rice of the Oxford Mail, former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri has officially signed for non-league side Oxford City.
As detailed by Andrew Gate of the official Oxford City FC media team, the high-profile addition brings the 36-year-old back to England following recent spells abroad, most notably with Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim and Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol. The move sees Forestieri link up once again with Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins, who played alongside him during their shared time at Vicarage Road.
Why has Fernando Forestieri decided to join Oxford City?
Speaking to the official Oxford City FC communications team upon completing his transfer, Fernando Forestieri expressed his enthusiasm about returning to English football and settling down with his family.
As quoted by Andrew Gate of Oxford City FC, Forestieri stated: “I’m looking forward to coming back to England. I’m happy to be here, and it means a lot to my family now who are settled in England. I know Ross [Jenkins] and Robbo [Paul Robinson]. He was at Birmingham when I played, and there are very nice people here. I will try my best to help the team.”
The Italian forward highlighted his personal connections with the coaching staff at the MGroup Stadium, noting his existing relationships with both manager Ross Jenkins and coach Paul Robinson as pivotal factors in making the decision.
What reaction has the manager given regarding the new signing?
Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins expressed his delight at securing the services of the high-profile attacker to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the National League North campaign.
As reported by Andrew Gate of Oxford City FC, Ross Jenkins remarked: “I’m extremely pleased to get Fernando on board with us this season. He’s a player with great experience and knowledge which will help our younger players.”
Jenkins stressed that Forestieri’s technical caliber alongside his tactical understanding developed across top-tier European leagues will serve as a vital guidance tool for the club’s development.
What is the background of this particular development?
Born in Rosario, Argentina, before representing Italy at youth international levels, Forestieri forged a distinguished career across Europe. He initially arrived in English football when he joined Watford in 2012, making his loan move from Udinese permanent in 2013. During his stint in Hertfordshire, he scored 21 goals in 90 league matches and played a crucial role in helping Watford secure promotion to the Premier League during the 2014–15 season.
In August 2015, Forestieri transferred to Sheffield Wednesday, where he established himself as a fan favourite at Hillsborough. Across five seasons in South Yorkshire, he scored 40 goals in 134 league games, guiding the Owls to back-to-back Championship play-off campaigns in 2016 and 2017.
After leaving Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, Forestieri returned to Serie A club Udinese, before enjoying a prolific stint with Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim, where he accumulated 34 goals in 40 league appearances. His most recent spell was in Cyprus with AEL Limassol before committing to this surprise move to the sixth tier of English football.
What is the prediction for how this move will affect Oxford City and its supporters?
The arrival of Fernando Forestieri represents a significant statement of intent for Oxford City in the National League North. For the Oxford City faithful and local non-league football community, securing a player of Forestieri’s pedigree is expected to boost matchday attendances at the MGroup Stadium and elevate the club’s profile across regional media.
On the pitch, Forestieri’s versatility as a attacking midfielder or second striker provides manager Ross Jenkins with tactical flexibility. His proven goalscoring ability and creative flair are predicted to sharpen City’s attack in tight league fixtures.
Furthermore, his professional experience in high-pressure environments will serve as a valuable mentorship asset for younger squad members navigating the physical demands of non-league football.
