With just seven league games remaining, we’ve taken a look at the Oxford United players that are out of contract in the summer.
The debate is do the club offer new terms or allow them to leave?
New Contracts
The U’s have already acted in handing out new contracts to several first-team and squad players.
Tyler Goodrham, Ciaron Brown and Elliott Moore have all committed their future to the club, along with Simon Eastwood, Stephan Negru and Gatlin O’Donkor.
Defenders
Steve Seddon hasn’t played for Oxford since a 2-1 win over Charlton on December 29 2022, and that was only a one-minute cameo. He has since been sent on loan to Cambridge and Burton, and it seems likely he will leave in the summer given Oxford’s depth in the left-back position.
Opinion: Release
Joe Bennett
One of those left-backs is Joe Bennett. The 33-year-old joined the U’s in December as cover for the injured Greg Leigh and was rewarded with a deal until the end of the season after a run of positive displays. While his age may be an issue, the defender has become an important member of the team, even with Leigh back to full fitness.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Midfielders
Marcus McGuane
Maybe the most highly regarded player out of contract is Marcus McGuane. The 25-year-old has played 36 times in League One and is often considered the main man alongside Cameron Brannagan. While his performances have dipped in recent weeks, there is no doubting his ability. The club also have an option to trigger an additional 12 months, which would seem daft not to do.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Billy Bodin
In 2022, Billy Bodin penned a new two-year deal. The 31-year-old has had injury issues but often puts in promising displays, and has scored three times this season. However, given his age, Bodin may be looking for a fresh challenge and if Oxford are looking to push towards the Championship, he may not have the legs to help.
Opinion: Release
James Henry
Similarly to Bodin, Henry has the ability to change a game but at 34, he won’t manage many minutes, particularly after an injury-hit season. However, his experience both on the pitch and in the dressing room could be key so it could be wise to offer a short-term deal with a coaching role attached.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Josh Murphy
As has been widely discussed on some of Oxford United’s podcasts, Josh Murphy is something of an enigma. Karl Robinson described the winger as “the best in the league” but he failed to live up to the hype. Injuries have certainly hampered his playing time but the winger has hit form in recent weeks and looks a cut above. His wages will be high and his injury record is a worry but if the club could agree a deal which suits both parties (pay-as-you play/goal and assist bonuses) then it could be a shrew bit of business.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Marcus Browne
The final seven games could determine whether the club offer Marcus Browne a new deal or not. The 26-year-old has managed just five league appearances this season due to two separate hamstring injuries. Now in his third spell at the club, there is no doubting his ability but his injury record is concerning. Is it worth the risk? Something similar to Murphy could work, although the club also have the option to trigger a further 12 months.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Kyle Edwards
Like Browne, Kyle Edwards has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury. The winger impressed after initially joining on loan from Ipswich but was then released after his setback. However, the U’s signed him on a deal until the end of the season. It could be a similar scenario to Browne and Murphy – assess his fitness, see if any recurring injuries could happen and offer a contract on reduced terms with performance-based incentives.
Opinion: Offer new deal
Others
All of the information gathered for this article has been taken from Transfermarkt. However, two players in Josh McEachran and Jordan Thorniley’s expiry isn’t public. That said, neither have impressed during their time at the club and the answer should be the same for both players.
Opinion: Release
