Oxford United manager Karl Robinson is at risk of losing six players this summer with their contracts all due to run out. Three of the players are first-team regulars, one has had an injury-hit campaign while the other two are youngsters that may not be offered new deals.
Oxford United Players out of Contract this Summer
Six Players Could Leave
John Mousinho
Club captain John Mousinho is the first player to feature who sees his contract expire this summer. The 33-year-old, who turns 34 at the end of the month, has made 33 appearances this campaign despite taking a backroom role at the start of the season with the intention of reducing his playing time.
That said, the U’s have only had three recognised senior central defenders this season – with Rob Atkinson joining in January before being loaned back to Eastleigh – and Mousinho has been a key figure. If the skipper doesn’t renew his current deal, Robinson will certainly need to bring in two or three more central defenders, especially with Rob Dickie reportedly linked with a move away.
Sam Allardyce
19-year-old defender Sam Allardyce was signed in the summer from Bury but has failed to make a senior appearance this season. Having come through the youth set-up at Manchester United, the grandson of the former England manager with the same name, could be released this summer.
Kevin Berkoe
Like Allardyce, left-back Kevin Berkoe arrived in the summer but unlike Allardyce, Berkoe has made a handful of senior appearances. The former Wolves man hasn’t featured in the league but did make two Carabao Cup appearances against Peterborough United and Millwall respectively. He played 90 minutes against the Lions and was also involved during the Football League trophy group games against Norwich City and Crawley Town.
It looked at one point that Berkoe could be a back-up option with Josh Ruffles the only recognised left-sided defender, but he has been loaned out to Oxford City, raising the question of whether or not he’ll remain at the club next season.
Sam Long
Following the departure of Chris Cadden in January after he was recalled from his loan spell, Sam Long has become a key figure in the U’s defence. The 25-year-old has played 29 times this season, with 12 of those coming since the Scots parting.
Long has been solid at right-back, and with numbers short in defensive areas, the Oxford-born defender could be a big loss if he leaves in the summer.
George Thorne
Midfielder George Thorne joined the U’s on loan from Derby County in the summer, but following a string of injuries, the 27-year-old decided to terminate his Rams contract and join Oxford until the end of the season.
Despite only playing seven times with a total of 167 minutes, Thorne has shown his capacities when fit. However, if Robinson keeps hold of the midfielder next season, his wage cost, alongside his injury vulnerabilities, could be a major factor.
Jamie Mackie
Finally, talisman striker Jamie Mackie also sees his contract expire this summer. Despite only finding the net twice from 41 games, the seasoned forward has provided much-needed support and link-up play during attacking moves.
Like Mousinho, he offers valuable experience to a squad largely made up of younger members and his absence would certainly leave a hole in that respect.
Five Loan Players Could Also Exit
In addition to the six players mentioned above, Robinson is set to lose a further five key players who are at the club on loan.
Ben Woodburn was the first to arrive on loan, but the Liverpool man injured himself after just 13 appearances and hasn’t yet returned.
Matty Taylor has been in sensational form since arriving from Bristol City in the summer. The 30-year-old has scored 17 times in 35 appearances, promoting calls to sign him permanently. However, the Oxford-born striker has spoken about his contract situation, saying that he wants to wait until the summer before making a decision, casting doubt over where he could be next season.
Nathan Holland was the first to join on loan in January. Having impressed for the West Ham United Under 23 side, he hit the ground running for the U’s, scoring three times from 12 games before picking up a season-ending injury.
However, the U’s will remain hopeful of bringing the 21-year-old back next season, whether on loan or permanently.
Liam Kelly was also announced on the same day as Holland, but the former Reading man hasn’t featured as much as the West Ham winger.
Kelly has had an injury-hit few seasons, and the 24-year-old has managed just four appearances for the U’s since his arrival.
Marcus Browne spent last season on loan with the U’s before leaving West Ham to join Middlesbrough. However, with limited game time in the Championship, the 22-year-old returned to Grenoble Road.
Browne has scored four times and provided four assists in just 13 appearances since rejoining, and he is another that the U’s will be hoping to keep hold of.
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