Cameron Brannagan is expected to sign a new deal with Oxford United according to the Football Insider, despite interest from elsewhere.
The 28-year-old would be at the centre of Oxford’s success last term, making 46 appearances including the play-offs. It would be Brannagan’s consistency as well as versatility which often got the U’s through games and it is a huge boost for their survival chances that he is re-signing.
As with any side which gain promotion via the play-offs, the now-Championship side do indeed look firmly up against it. After upsetting both Peterborough United and then Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs, where Brannagan started all three games, they have rightfully earned their spot in the second tier. It will however be Oxfordshire-based side’s first time this century playing at the level.
They’ve made some decent additions this off-season, with the likes of Jamie Cumming, Peter Kioso and Idris El Mizouni all arriving at the Kassam Stadium but retaining Brannagan could be considered the most significant of the lot.
Having been with the club permanently since 2018, the versatile midfielder is a firm fan favourite and has already earned himself cult hero status at the club. Yellows’ fans will no doubt be delighted with the news, especially with other Championship sides displaying an interest.
Both Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion had been rumoured to be in for the 28-year-old and it is fair to say that both have higher aspirations than that of Oxford.
Far better is expected of Blackburn next term having only survived on the final day of last season. He may well have been a starterfor Rovers and given his versatility he could’ve even filled in for Sammie Szmodics amidst rumours that last season’s top goalscorer could be leaving Ewood Park.
As for West Brom, who made the play-offs last term, Brannagan may well have been more of a rotational asset and from a minutes standpoint, sticking with Oxford seems the best option.
Writer’s View
Many Oxford fans will say that Transfermarkt’s £420,000 valuation of the midfielder is some way off of the mark and he has endeared himself to supporters over the last six years. The Championship is no doubt a step-up, but after a very impressive season, Brannagan may well take it right in his stride.
The news is a bit of a blow for both Blackburn and West Brom, however there is still plenty of time for them to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield ranks this summer. Expect both to still want to bring one or two more names to the cohort this window but there are few options on the market who have the same levels of versatility as the 28-year-old.
