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Former U’s Players out of Contract This Summer

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Oxford United are at risk of losing six players this summer when their contract expires. Karl Robinson also has the added dilemma of five key loan players heading back to their parent clubs once the season is finished.

Here are a selection of former U’s players who are also out of contract in the summer, with a couple certainly an option to attempt to bring in during the transfer window. All seven are currently plying their trade in the Championship, but with a couple of them involved in relegation battles and the U’s looking to secure promotion, a decision may need to be made.

Danny Hylton

Former striker Danny Hylton spent two seasons with the U’s from 2014-2016. During that time, the now 31-year-old scored 31 times in just over 100 appearances. Hylton also won promotion to League One before joining current club Luton Town, where he has scored 58 in 120. That said, the striker has missed most of this Championship season with injury.

Marvin Johnson

Marvin Johnson only spent one season at Oxford and played out of position, but the winger had a big impact during his time at the club. The 29-year-old scored six times in 52 appearances as a makeshift left-back before joining Championship side Middlesbrough. Despite being involved this season, Jonhson has been relatively out of favour on Teesside and could seek a move away.

Alex Mowatt

Midfielder Alex Mowatt spent time on loan with the U’s and had a decent spell. Despite a season of turmoil off the pitch, which included the sacking of Pep Clotet, change of ownership and the subsequent two-month wait to appoint Karl Robinson, Mowatt was one of the standout players, making 35 appearances while on loan from Barnsley. Still with the Tykes, where he is now captain, he has been instrumental despite the side facing relegation but is yet to sign a new deal.

Jordan Rhodes

Jordan Rhodes was a raw, 17-year-old striker when he joined Oxford on loan while in the Conference. Despite only being at the club on a one-month loan deal and despite failing to score in his four appearances, the Scotland international has gone on to achieve plenty during his career. He joined League One Huddersfield Town, where he scored 87 goals in 148 games, before making move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he recorded an equally impressive 85 in 169. Spells at Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday have followed, but the 30-year-old looks set to leave Hillsborough in the summer.

Chey Dunkley

Central defender Chey Dunkley had a big impact at Oxford, namely winning promotion to League One and reaching two Football League Trophy finals. He made just under 100 appearances for the U’s and, despite rejecting a new deal, left a fan favourite. Since he joined wigan, the 28-year-old has maintained his ability in the Championship, playing over 100 times for the Latics. Wigan are at risk of relegation while the U’s are on the brink of promotion, and many fans would like to see the defender make a return.

Jordan Archer

Goalkeeper Jordan Archer joined the U’s on an emergency one-month loan deal when Simon Eastwood got injured this season, but 27-year-old was a key player. Archer played eight games during a busy December period, conceding just seven goals – three of which came during the Carabao Cup defeat against Manchester City. He joined Fulham in January until the end of the season but hasn’t yet been named in a matchday squad.

Jake Forster-Caskey

Like Jordan Rhodes, midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey spent time on loan as a youngster. The then 18-year-old scored three times in 20 appearances for the League Two club while on loan from Brighton. Since, he has gone on to make well over 80 appearances for the Seagulls before spending four seasons at Charlton Athletic, where his contract expires this summer. The 25-year-old worked under Robinson when the U’s boss was in charge at the Valley.

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