With defender Rob Dickie highly likely to leave on the summer, Oxford will be left short in defence. John Mousinho, who has already taken up a coaching role, will be 34-years-old by the time the current season resumes and is out of contract in the summer, leaving just Elliott Moore and Rob Atkinson as the clubs centre backs.
Karl Robinson has others that can play in the middle, but the defence as a whole needs reinvestment. Both full-back areas are also depleted with just Josh Ruffels and Sam Long currently the only recognised players in the squad. Here are five out of contract defenders that could join the club in the summer, but it could depend on which league the U’s are in.
(Also read: Five out of Contract Goalkeepers Oxford Could Look to Sign)
Callum Brittain
MK Dons right-back Callum Brittan has had a decent season for the club, scoring twice from 37 appearances. The 22-year-old, who came through the ranks at the Buckinghamshire outfit, is just shy of 100 appearances for the club. He would have also been at the club during Karl Robinson’s tenure. The U’s are short at right-back, and the youngster could be a shrewd signing.
Christian Burgess
28-year-old Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess could end his five-year tenure with the club this summer. The centre back, who arrived at Fratton Park from Peterborough United in 2015, has made over 200 appearances for the League One side. The 6’4″ defender is towering in the air, and can also chip in with a few goals at the other end.
Max Ehmer
It was a surprise to see Gillingham captain Max Ehmer’s contract run down. The German has made 250 appearances for the Gills, scoring 15, and has been a reliable member of the side since his arrival. The club hasn’t really been remarkable since achieving promotion to League One in 2012/13, but the centre-back has shown his capabilities to play for a club pushing for promotion or in a higher league.
Naby Sarr
Like Ehmer, Charlton Athletic centre-back Naby Sarr has been a loyal servant his the club. The French-born defender has been with the Addicks since 2015 and, despite spending a season on loan in France, the former Sporting Lisbon man has surpassed 100 appearances for the club. Despite scoring an unfortunate own goal in last seasons playoff final against Sunderland, the 26-year-old is a solid defender.
Morgan Fox
Left-back Morgan Fox is out of contract with Sheffield Wednesday in the summer. The 26-year-old, who is in his fourth season with the club, has made over 100 appearances since joining from Charlton Athletic. The Owls are trying to tie him down on a new deal, but if the U’s achieve promotion, Fox would be a superb addition.
*Note: All contracts were due to expire at the time of writing. All contract information was gathered from Transfermarkt.
