It’s that time of the year again. Oxford United fell short of securing a top-six finish this season and there are some areas of the pitch that need reinforcements. Karl Robinson has already brought in Sam Baldock while James Henry and Elliott Moore have had a one-year extension triggered on their deals. Here are six out of contract Championship players the U’s could sign this summer.
(All contract information gathered from transfermarkt and correct at the time of writing)
Read: Six Out of Contract League One Players Oxford Could Sign This Summer
Tom Holmes
Oxford have had some success in bringing former Reading players to the club and centre back Tom Holmes could be the next in line.
The 22-year-old, who has been offered a new deal, scored once in 37 appearances for the Royals this season as they avoided relegation to League One.
Holmes fits the Oxford model in bringing young defenders, but this time he already has significant Football League experience under his belt. He could be a useful addition if Robinson opts for a back three next season.
Aden Flint
From a young centre back to one with plenty of Football League experience, Aden Flint has been released by Cardiff City.
The towering centre-half appeared 41 times for the Bluebirds in all competitions and netted six times.
At 32-years-old, Flint has over 400 Football League matches under his belt and has featured in the Championship for Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City – where he played with Matty Taylor.
He would be a great addition for the U’s in a back three and his experience could be crucial as the club conceded far too many goals this season.
Romal Palmer
Another youngster that could be a good option is Barnsley midfielder, Romal Palmer. The 23-year-old scored once in 33 Championship appearances, although the Tykes suffered relegation to League One.
Despite the club struggling, Palmer has made over 60 league outings over the past two seasons so his exposure to first-team football could be a bonus.
As said in our previous article, the U’s could be light in the middle of the park with Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane the two that Robinson is likely to select, but the former is attracting plenty of interest from other clubs.
Ethan Robson
Sticking with a central midfielder, we take a look at Blackpool’s Ethan Robson. The 25-year-old made 25 appearances this season, with 18 coming while on loan at MK Dons in League One.
Having turned out for the Seasiders and the Dons, Robson is used to playing in a decent footballing team and would fit into the U’s squad relatively well.
Blackpool had an option to trigger a further 12 months but opted against doing so, leaving the door open for a move.
Izzy Brown
Former Chelsea attacker Izzy Brown is next on our list. The attacking midfielder, who can also play on both wings, finally left Stamford Bridge last summer to join Preston but failed to make an appearance after rupturing his Achilles in pre-season.
The 25-year-old has endured several loan spells, including Huddersfield and Leeds in the Championship and Brighton in the top flight.
Following his injury, he may need to drop down a division to secure regular football but it would be a real coup if the U’s could land him.
Harry Cornick
Luton are still yet to make a decision on striker Harry Cornick but he could become a free agent in the summer.
The 27-year-old struck 13 goals as the Hatters secured a playoff spot in the Championship this season.
While it’s unlikely he would drop down a division, it would be a huge signal of intent if the U’s were to land the former Bournemouth man.
