Up next in our out of contract players series, we take a look at five strikers. Presently, Oxford have Matty Taylor, Sam Winnall, Dan Agyei, and Derick Osei Yaw, all of which have at least another year remaining on their contract.
Manager Karl Robinson is in a difficult position because he only plays with one striker. Osei Yaw has spent the second half of the season on loan at Walsall, meaning it’s likely he will go out again, while a Agyei has become a fan favourite despite a lack of game time. That leaves Taylor and Winnall as natural strikers, who are both similar in the way they play, leaving the manager to look at alternatives.
Read also: Five Out of Contract Wingers Oxford Could Look to Sign
Dion Charles
Accrington Stanley striker Dion Charles has had a tremendous season. The 25-year-old has netted 19 league goals from 40 appearances, making him the third-highest scorer in the division.
Having plied his trade in non-league, Stanley are benefitting from the Northern Irishman’s presence. He is good with his feet and makes clever movement beyond the defence, a trait similar to that of Taylor.
Connor McAleny
Connor McAleny is having a brilliant season in League Two. The 28-year-old has netted 17 goals from 38 league outings so far this season, making it the best scoring season of his career.
While the former Everton man has never been prolific in front of goal, he did manage to net ten goals in just 18 league games while on loan at Oxford in 2016/17. Now, with the Oldham forward out of contract in the summer, his prolific season in front of goal could prompt a move to a higher division.
Josh Magennis
League One leaders Hull City could see their second-highest goalscorer of the season depart in the summer with Josh Magennis out of contract. Although the Tigers have a one year option, they may look to bolster their attack and allow the 30-year-old to depart.
Like McAleny, it is Magennis’ strongest season in front of goal with 17 coming in the league. The Northern Ireland international only managed eight goals in two seasons in the Championship with Hull and Bolton respectively, with successive tallies of ten coming for Charlton in League One previously.
Fejiri Okenabirhie
Doncaster Rovers forward Fejiri Okenabirhie is next on our shortlist. The 25-year-old has netted 11 league goals this season and added a further four assists.
The forward had made the step up from non-league with success, having also enjoyed time at Shrewsbury Town. Not only can he play through the middle, but Okenabirhie can also play on either wing, providing the U’s with additional wide options.
James Collins
Luton Town striker James Collins completes our list. The 30-year-old, who has been with the Hatters since 2017, has ten Championship goals this season, and he also netted a hat trick in a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Norwich.
Besides one season at Hibernian, Collins has hit double figures in each of his last 11 seasons. While much of that has been in League Two, the forward has adjusted to life in League One and the Championship with relative ease, and boats five promotions so far in his career.
*Note: All contracts were due to expire at the time of writing. All contract information was gathered from Transfermarkt
