Cameron Brannagan has been an integral part of this seasons Oxford United squad, and has scored seven goals and provided three assists as the U’s moved up to 4th in League One.
But earlier today, I read an article that Brannagan would be a perfect addition for Sunderland.
Absolutely, he would. The 23-year-old oozes class and has, in my opinion, been one of the U’s best players this season.
The last two results have highlighted that. After being replaced with injury at half time during another routine 3-0 home win over Rochdale, the U’s ended up drawing at home to Sunderland in the Carabao Cup, eventually winning on penalties, before rescuing a point late on at Portsmouth.
In both games, for the first time during their run of 12 games unbeaten, the opposition looked comfortable in midfield. The absence of Brannagan, and admittedly the fatigue that had crept into the squad, clearly played a part in these two matches.
Even at just 23, the midfielder controls the midfield, and his link-up play has been another key factor why the U’s are the highest scorers in the league.
The aforementioned article also valued the midfielder at £500k. For his market value, that’s probably about right, but if or when the club are ready to sell him, it’s going to be for a more substantial fee than that.
Brannagan, for me, would fetch between what Gavin Whyte and Kemar Roofe went for if he was to leave in the next two windows, but if he stayed for a few more seasons, maybe even winning promotion, then I would expect £5million and upwards.
From a squad point of view, I can’t see Brannagan leaving in January, especially for another League One club – particularly Sunderland. If he did, I feel he would move like when Ryan Ledson, or Joe Rothwell did, to an established Championship side.
But all of that’s for another day because for now, the U’s have an FA Cup tie to play before a deserved break following the postponement of the Ipswich fixture.
