League One rivals Gillingham have announced their released and retained list. One player on their list that hasn’t been offered a new deal is captain and centre back, Max Ehmer. So should the U’s make a move for the 28-year-old?
With the likelihood of Rob Dickie leaving in the summer fairly high, the U’s need reinforcements. If, or when, Dickie leaves, it would leave 34-year-old John Mousinho, 23-year-old Elliott Moore and youngsters Rob Atkinson and Nico Jones.
If the U’s fail to secure promotion to the Championship, those four could probably do a job in League One. Even so, additional support would help. However, if Oxford achieve promotion to the Championship, then the defence will need a significant boost.
Max Ehmer could help provide an answer. The German has made 250 appearances for the Gills, scoring 15, and has been a reliable member of the side since his arrival. The club hasn’t really been remarkable since achieving promotion to League One in 2012/13, but the centre-back has shown his capabilities to play for a club pushing for promotion or in a higher league.
The German, who has played every minute of league action this season, can also cover at right-back and in defensive midfield if needed, which would provide further options for manager Karl Robinson.
Admittedly, it slightly goes against the grain in terms of Oxford transfers. Ehmer isn’t a young, British player, but if the U’s are to reach the second tier of English football for the first time this millennium, they will need experience. Ehmer offers that.
Strong in the air and good with his feet, the defender is capable of scoring from a variety of set pieces while remaining solid in defence. He would be a good addition for the U’s.
