Having secured their place in the Championship by beating Bolton Wanderers in the playoff final, attention for Oxford United now turns to putting together a squad that can compete in the second tier.
The club have recently announced their retained list, announcing the departures of players such as Billy Bodin and James Henry but also confirming that on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Jamie Cumming will be returning to his parent club.
Cumming joined the club in January this year and went on to make 20 League One appearances, keeping six clean sheets as the club earned promotion via the most thrilling of routes. As he heads back to London, The U’s are left with just Simon Eastwood as their senior goalkeeping option.
Des Buckingham is set to lead his side into their first Championship season in 25 years and is in need of reinforcements in the goalkeeping department. So, here are five potential keepers for United to bring in.
Jamie Cumming – Chelsea (out of contract this summer)
Where else to start but the goalkeeper who helped take Oxford to the second tier for the first time in a quarter of a century? Cumming has yet to play for the Chelsea first team but has gained plenty of experience across his numerous loan spells.
Including his 20 league appearances last season, the 24-year-old has close to 150 senior appearances and it could be a perfect opportunity for the club and player to continue a successful partnership.
Arthur Okonkwo – Arsenal (out of contract this summer)
The giant England Under 18 international spent an impressive period on loan at Wrexham where he made 36 League Two appearances, conceding only 30 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets.
Okonkwo has represented Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz during temporary switches before his move to Wales this season, where his performances helped Wrexham to a successive promotion.
He performed admirably between the sticks, preventing almost ten goals against xG, and showed he could control his area when claiming crosses and had the highest save percentage in the league. Whilst the Championship would be a huge step up for the 22-year-old, he has demonstrated his abilities consistently this season and would be a great bit of business on a free.
Viljami Sinisalo – Aston Villa
Finnish international Sinisalo spent an impressive season on loan in League One with Exeter City, appearing 45 times in league action and keeping 13 clean sheets. His performances saw him named the Fans’ Player of the Year by supporters of the club.
Sinisalo has impressive pass accuracy, commands his area well and chooses to operate as something of a sweeper-keeper and would be looking for a loan to a higher division after performing well in League One.
The Villa man has a year left on his current deal and this could be an ideal move for the young stopper to test himself at Championship level.
Joe Wildsmith – Derby County (out of contract this summer)
Having kept 20 clean sheets and conceded only 31 goals in his 40 appearances this season, Wildsmith is one of the surprise names to be looking for a new club this summer.
After helping The Rams to promotion back to the Championship, the 28-year-old can perhaps count himself unfortunate but will no doubt be one of the sought-after free agents this summer.
Wildsmith is closing in on 200 career appearances and he will surely jump at the chance of testing himself in the Championship again.
Darren Randolph – Bournemouth (out of contract this summer)
This may be a slightly left-field suggestion due to Randolph’s age and lack of game time over the past 18 months but his signing could be just what Oxford need as they embark on their Championship campaign.
At 37 years old, his signing would be a short-term solution but would bring vast experience to Buckingham’s side. The 50-cap Republic of Ireland international has close to 450 club appearances to his name.
