Oxford United are in danger of losing star player Cameron Brannagan as three Championship clubs circle for his signature.
The former Liverpool academy player has thrived for The U’s since joining the club in 2018, and has reached near-icon status thanks to his consistency and pivotal role in their promotion to the Championship in 2024. He played 35 times last season and signed a new long-term deal prior to the start of the campaign.
Relegated Side Target Brannagan
According to football journalist Graeme Bailey when speaking to EFL Analysis, three Championship sides, one of which is the relegated Leicester City, are vying for his signature this window and Oxford are set to lose their prized midfielder.
The Foxes were relegated from the Premier League as the best of the three promoted sides that went down, but face turmoil before their season even starts, with a potential points deduction coming. It is a summer of major change for Leicester, with Ruud van Nistelrooy expected to leave and club captain Jamie Vardy already confirming his departure.
Sheffield United and Stoke City are the other two sides interested in the 29-year-old. Chris Wilder’s side are already making big moves within the Championship market, approaching both Preston North End forward Emil Riis and Queens Park Rangers defender and long-term target Jimmy Dunne. They have also recently been linked with Leyton Orient star Ethan Galbraith, but face competition from Swansea City.
Writers’ View
It would be a major blow for Gary Rowett and Oxford United to lose Cameron Brannagan. He has been the lynchpin of the club’s recent successes, and to lose him now would be tough to take. For Brannagan, it is likely that now his stocks are high, he could make a big move elsewhere to boost his chances of playing in the Premier League again, as he did for Liverpool just under a decade ago. Sheffield United are likely the best chance for him to realise that goal, with Vini Souza being linked with moves away and could be a great partner to Ollie Arblaster in the midfield. Leicester, despite the current uncertainty, is another great destination with Wilfred Ndidi’s release clause at just £9 million, and should the Nigerian leave, Brannagan will be able to fill their defensive midfielder needs.
