With Jamie Mackie’s contract expiring in the summer and the uncertainty over whether or not Matty Taylor will remain at the club next season, Oxford United need to bring in one or two new attacking faces ready for next season.
If the two depart, it would just leave Dan Agyei as the only senior striker, and the majority of his 22 appearances came from the bench. Karl Robinson’s side has had little problem finding the net this campaign, but here are five players who will be out of contract in the summer that the U’s could look to sign.
(Also read: Five out of Contract Midfielders Oxford Could Look to Sign)
Brett Pitman
32-year-old striker Brett Pitman has scored goals whenever he has played. At Portsmouth since 2017, the forward has scored 42 goals in 99 appearances. His goals to game ratio has always been relatively decent, and that should continue. However, this season Pitman has fallen out of favour at Fratton Park and game time has been limited, so a summer move could be on the cards.
Armand Gnanduillet
French-born Armand Gnanduillet has had a hit and miss career but has found his feet, and goals, at Blackpool. The 28-year-old spent time on loan at Oxford six seasons ago but was recalled after just four games. Since, he joined Leyton Orient before his arrival at Bloomfield Road. During his time at Blackpool, Gnanduillet has scored 43 goals in 145 appearances.
Elliot Lee
Luton Town striker Elliot Lee is out of contract this summer. The former West Ham man has netted 25 times in 89 appearances for the Hatters but game time has been limited in the Championship, which could open up a summer move for the 25-year-old.
Jordy Hiwula
Coventry City winger Jordy Hiwula has played just once in the league since December, questioning whether or not he will be at the club next season. The 25-year-old, who can also play in the centre, is in his second season with the Sky Blues but despite netting 13 goals last campaign, he looks likely to leave in the summer.
Joe Garner
Wigan Athletic frontman Joe Garner is out of contract in the summer, having scored ten goals in 50 Latics appearances. That said, his form in front of goal for his previous clubs is what prompted the Championship side to make a move for the 32-year-old. It shouldn’t matter which league the U’s are in next season as Garner should still be able to do a job.
*Note: All contracts were due to expire at the time of writing. All contract information was gathered from Transfermarkt.
