Oxford United have confirmed that Kyran Lofthouse has been offered a new deal following a successful loan spell at Oxford City.
The winger, who made his senior U’s debut in the Football League Trophy win against Norwich City Under 21s earlier this season, has agreed to a new one-year deal with the club.
Fabio Sole, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Jack Stevens all still have the chance to remain at the club, who also need to make a decision on Max Harris and Kevin Berkoe, as they wait to sit down with the pair.
However, six players won’t be offered new deals. Sam Allardyce, Owen James, Aaron McCready, Max Evans, Viktor Milton and Jordan Edwards have all been told they won’t be offered an extension.
Academy Manager Dan Harris told the clubs official website: “By far the worst part of this job is having to make these decisions and we have spoken to all of them and explained the situation.
“They should all be so proud of their hard work and attitude over their time at the club. They are impressive young men and we will do our best to help them to transition into the next step on their career paths as we have continued to do with many young players over the last few years.
“We have already offered Nico Jones, Fabio Lopes, Slavi Spasov and Michael Elechi pro deals and in these unprecedented times we have been able to extend the time that Fabio Sole, Leon Chambers-Parillion and Jack Stevens will be with us – Fabio and Leon will have a third-year as scholars and Jack because he entered the system late, has effectively a three-month extension.
“Kyran Lofthouse has done well on loan at Oxford City and has been offered a new one-year deal and we are waiting for a chance to sit down and talk to Max Harris and Kevin Berkoe to discuss the various options; we will always try to do that face to face.”
It is positive news from the club who look to establish a core group of youth talent. A few have broken into the first team, and it is something manager Karl Robinson will look to continue next season.
Also, one option ahead of next season is to introduce salary caps and reduce squad sizes as a way of helping youth players become integrated into the first team.
