It’s that time of the year again. Oxford United fell short of securing a top-six finish this season and there are some areas of the pitch that need reinforcements. Karl Robinson has already brought in Sam Baldock while James Henry and Elliott Moore have had a one-year extension triggered on their deals. The manager is also known for bringing players back to the club, so here are five out of contract former U’s players the club could sign this summer.
(All contract information gathered from transfermarkt and correct at the time of writing)
Read: Six Out of Contract Championship Players Oxford Could Sign This SummerÂ
Connal Trueman
The first goalkeeper we have chosen in our latest series of articles, Birmingham City shot-stopper Connal Trueman impressed when he joined earlier this season on an emergency loan deal.
The 26-year-old may have only played twice but he impressed in a 3-1 win over Fleetwood and kept a clean sheet against promoted side Rotherham United.
Despite having two goalkeepers in Jack Stevens and Simon Eastwood, Robinson may feel unconvinced by the pair this season after inconsistent campaigns so a fresh face could be on the cards.
Chey Dunkley
“Ain’t nobody.” Defender Chey Dunkley has been released from League One rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
The 30-year-old scored twice from 24 appearances as the Owls reached the playoff semi-finals.
Injuries hampered his game time, as they did at Wigan, but his experience at a higher level would be crucial should the U’s bring him back to Grenoble Road.
He had a successful first spell at the club, winning promotion from League Two along with two Wembley appearances. He is a fan favourite.
Callum O’Dowda
An Oxford-born player next as Callum O’Dowda has been released by Bristol City, ending his six-year stay at Ashton Gate.
It was the Robins that he signed for after leaving Oxford in 2016, where the Republic of Ireland international made over 150 appearances.
The news of his departure was mixed from the Bristol City supporters, as would probably be the case should he return to Oxford after the way he left the club, but on his day he is a top player that can cause plenty of problems for defenders.
Elliot Lee
A former loanee that impressed, Elliot Lee has been released by Luton after five years with the club. The 27-year-old joined the U’s in January 2021 and scored six goals in 18 League One matches to secure a top-six finish.
Many fans were hoping he would return this season but instead, he moved to Charlton on loan, where he scored just four times in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Despite that, he was playing in a poor Addicks team and with the quality the U’s have, he would fit straight in.
Brandon Barker
Another former loanee, Brandon Barker was also part of the squad alongside Lee that secured a top-six finish.
The winger scored three times in 19 league matches, including one in the win over rivals Swindon, and added four assists.
However, he was released by Rangers at the end of the season and it wasn’t until February when he joined Reading on a short term basis.
He is one player that has struggled to find a permanent home having been loaned out from Manchester City on several occasions but if he drops down a division and finds his form, Oxford could be a good fit.
