WITH Oxford United’s retained list now announced, attention will inevitably turn to where the club needs to focus in the summer transfer window.
Billy Bodin and James Henry leave gaps to gill in the creative midfield department, while a replacement for Marcus Browne on the wing will be required.
Starting in goal though, it’s clear that United will need a new keeper. Jamie Cumming really grew into that jersey in the final weeks of the season, following a tricky time when he first joined on loan from Chelsea in January.
With his contract at Stamford Bridge reportedly expiring this summer, he could be an option for the U’s to pursue.
Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty are already contracted with United, but it’s fair to say a goalkeeper, whether that be Cumming or not, will be one of the priorities for Ed Waldron and his recruitment team.
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Right back is another position which will see the loss of a loanee, in the shape of Brentford’s Fin Stevens.
The 21-year-old has shown improved defensive awareness in recent months, and again could be one to bring back, either on loan or on a permanent basis.
Sam Long’s versatility in covering right back and centre half will no doubt be important next season.
It’s at centre back where the U’s are already well-stocked. First choice pairing Elliott Moore and Ciaron Brown should be able to step up to Sky Bet Championship will little worry, while Stephan Negru and Jordan Thorniley are in reserve at the moment.
James Golding will likely head out on loan, while Stuart Findlay is braced to return from his season with Kilmarnock.
If any one of Negru, Thorniley, Golding and Findlay were to move on this summer, a replacement should be sought, and arguably there needs to be a centre half knocking on the door of Moore and Brown.
If Joe Bennett agrees a new deal, then United should be fine at left back, with Greg Leigh also providing a strong option.
Wembley and the open-top bus parade felt like expressions of pure joy. Going along to this though was an altogether different sort of emotion. Right in the feels it was #oufc https://t.co/P6EtMpVWjU
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) May 23, 2024
The U’s midfield already sees Cameron Brannagan, Marcus McGuane, Oisin Smyth and Josh Johnson contracted, with Josh McEachran in talks over a new deal.
An athletic defensive midfield player would not go amiss, particularly when United come up against the tougher teams next season.
Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues and Max Woltman provide the current options in the No 10 roles, and someone with second tier experience in that area would be preferable, to help take the workload off Goodrham and Rodrigues.
Out wide, Owen Dale is the only winger signed up for next season, and even with the hopeful re-signing of Josh Murphy, there are still at least a couple of vacancies out wide.
Up front, another striker in a similar mould to Mark Harris would provide important back-up for the Welshman, who led the line with impressive regularity this season.
Will Goodwin and Gatlin O’Donkor are the alternative centre forward options, although the latter may again leave on loan, in order to continue his development.
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