The Five Players Oxford United Could Lose For Free This Summer

Oxford United’s results have tailed off since their strong start to the season, with the top six now looking like it may be a challenge for them, meaning there is a chance they will still be a third-tier side come May. 

That is significant for a number of reasons. Of course, promotion will be the aim, but as the season end nears, a view to next year and beyond will need to begin to take shape. One of the most important areas of the club that will be up for review is the playing squad. No matter what moves are made once the transfer window opens, the first port of call at the end of any season is deciding what the best course of action is for a player who is out of contract.

According to Transfermarkt, at the end of this season, Oxford have five players who will see their deals at the club run out and therefore could potentially leave on a free transfer.

Here are those five…

Josh Murphy

Norwich City academy graduate Murphy is nearing the end of his two-year deal at the Kassam Stadium. Having started his career in Norfolk, the winger had loan moves to Wigan Athletic and MK Dons before making a massive move to Cardiff City in 2018 for a reported £10million. He went on to make almost 100 appearances for the Welsh club, before parting ways in the summer of 2022 upon the expiration of his contract.

That then saw the 29-year-old join his current club, where he has gone on to make 52 appearances, including 21 during this league campaign. Murphy has played the majority of matches that he has been fit for this term, with his only notable absent spell being between Christmas and the end of January. Therefore, Buckingham will need to decide whether his six-goal contributions this time out will be enough to earn the forward a spot in the squad next season.

Marcus McGuane

Midfielder McGuane has undoubtedly had one of the craziest career paths in the EFL. A product of the Arsenal academy, the Englishman made his professional debut for the London Club in the 2017/18 Europa League against BATE Borisov in Belarus, before then being signed by European giants Barcelona. However, his time in Spain was short-lived as Nottingham Forest snapped the youngster up, before allowing him a move to Oxford.

There is no denying that the 25-year-old has been a pivotal part of Buckingham’s side this season with his 36 appearances. With a goal and three assists, the defensive midfielder, alongside fellow central player Cameron Brannagan, could be the ideal partnership to build the future squad around.

Kyle Edwards

This is not the first time this season that Edwards could see his contract come to an end after Ipswich agreed to mutually terminate his deal in January, after spending the first half of the season on loan at the U’s. However, it is injuries that have held the former West-Brom man back this season meaning he has only played in five league matches.

The winger is currently ruled out but is expected to return at the end of this month, and if fitness levels are able to improve, then there’s a chance that the 26-year-old could play a vital role in the side’s run-in, with key fixtures against sides around them scheduled for April.

Joe Bennett

Left-back Bennett joined the club back in December on a short-term deal, which was subsequently extended during the January transfer window until the end of this season. The signing of that contract ended a six-month spell of the defender not having a club. Having progressed through the Middlesborough academy, after which he moved to Aston Villa, Bennett has played over 300 professional matches.

This season, Des Buckingham has utilised the 33-year-old heavily, having already given him 13 League One matches since his arrival. However, with the veteran not getting any younger, it is yet to be seen whether the coach wishes to keep him around beyond the summer.

James Henry

Veteran Henry has undoubtedly earned legendary status at Oxford. Having joined the club in 2017, following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the winger has already played over 250 competitive appearances for the side. During that time, he has scored 56 goals and created a further 42.

The former England Under-19 international has found his playtime lacking this season. Injuries have been a major issue for the 34-year-old, meaning he has failed to start a league game all season, although has appeared off the bench in recent weeks. The club will likely take a view on this contract decision without sentimentality, which therefore could see a long-standing servant at The Kassam be let go on a free transfer.

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