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 League One players the U’s could sign this summer.
(All contract information gathered from transfermarkt and correct at the time of writing)
Ben Purrington
Charlton had an underwhelming season by their standards but one player that stood out was left-back, Ben Purrington.
The 26-year-old has been offered a new deal by the Addicks after scoring four times and adding three assists from 31 appearances but he may be looking to move on from the Valley.
Oxford are short in that department with Steve Seddon the only recognised left-back. Like Seddon, Purrington likes to get forward and would be a stronger addition defensively than the current U’s man.
Will Boyle
Will Boyle is a defender in demand, with Huddersfield Town currently the favourites to sign him. The Cheltenham Town skipper is out of contract in the summer and there are several clubs that are keen to land the 26-year-old.
With Oxford looking like they will play a back three next season, the U’s need defensive reinforcements and Boyle would be a great addition.
The centre back could partner Elliott Moore and Like McNally at the heart of the defence. Boyle even chipped in with four goals this season – the same amount as McNally.
Sam Hutchinson
Another defender that would fit the bill is experienced centre back, Sam Hutchinson. The 32-year-old has been released by Sheffield Wednesday despite turning out 31 times for the Owls last season.
In total, Hutchinson has made over 200 appearances for Wednesday, including over 150 in the Championship.
The U’s have lacked defensive experience in recent seasons and given the fact that they conceded more than other of the other top 11 sides in the division, a player with an understanding of the Football League could be crucial. Also, should Alex Rodriguez Gorrin depart, Hutchinson has experience in the defensive midfield role.
Hiram Boateng
A name that many fans would have been surprised to see is MK Dons midfielder, Hiram Boateng. The 26-year-old turned out 37 times in all competitions as the Dons reached the League One playoffs.
The U’s have already lost Mark Sykes and the future of Cameron Brannagan remains uncertain, with several clubs still interested in the midfielder. There is also doubts as to whether or not Gorrin will be a part of the team next season, despite being offered fresh terms.
Liam Manning’s side play a similar style of football to Oxford so should the midfielder make the move, he could settle in quickly. Boateng has been with the Dons since 2019 but spent time on loan at Cambridge during that time.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild
Unlike previous seasons, Robinson may not be looking to recruit as many wingers if he opts for a change in formation but one that could catch the eye is Pompey’s Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.
The 24-year-old scored four and added two assists from 27 league appearances this season, but missed the end of the campaign through injury.
The winger can play on either flank and also has experience up top or behind the striker, so his versatility could be important.
Alfie May
Having scored against the U’s last season, Robinson will be well aware of the dangers that Cheltenham striker Alfie May possesses.
The 28-year-old scored 23 league goals from 46 outings, with 26 coming in all competitions. With Matty Taylor also bagging over 20 goals and the addition of Sam Baldock on a longer deal, the arrival of May could add another dimension to this season’s highest-scoring club.
