The transfer window is still close to opening, but that hasn’t stopped several rumours linking Oxford United with new faces.
Here, we’ll cover all of the latest potential incomings and outgoings at Grenoble Road as the U’s prepare for life back in League One.
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The Rumour Room: Oxford United’s Potential Summer Signings
Incomings
Bamba Dieng
One of the first summer transfer rumours came from Pete O’Rourke, who suggested the U’s were chasing Lorient striker, Bamba Dieng.
The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer but has also attracted interest from Blackburn, Leicester, Portsmouth and St Pauli.
The Senegal international hit 14 goals in 21 appearances last season, including nine in Ligue 1.
Tommi O’Reilly
O’Rourke then claimed Oxford were among a host of clubs eyeing a move for Aston Villa youngster, Tommi O’Reilly.
The 22-year-old had a successful loan spell with Crewe last season, where he made over 20 goal contributions.
His contract at Villa Park expires in 2028, but it’s understood the U’s are looking to make a permanent move for the midfielder.
Barney Stewart
O’Rourke continued with the rumours by claiming Oxford had seen a bid rejected for Falkirk striker, Barney Stewart.
According to the Football Insider reporter, West Brom and Lincoln had also seen bids rejected for the 22-year-old.
The Daily Record suggested that it had been a seven-figure bid that had been rejected from the Baggies, so if Oxford were to continue their interest, they would have to make a higher offer for a man who hit eight goals in 14 Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Fred Onyedinma
Oxford are set to battle with rivals Reading for free agent Fred Onyedinma.
The 29-year-old forward is out of contract at Wycombe, having rejected a new deal at Adams Park.
If he joins the U’s, he’ll be reunited with assistant head coach Mike Dodds, who had a brief spell in charge with the Chairboys, and, of course, Matt Bloomfield, who was also the head coach in Buckinghamshire.
Liam Henderson
Reports in Scotland claimed that Oxford and Plymouth were considering moves for Falkirk defender Liam Henderson.
The 29-year-old has had an impressive campaign with the Scottish outfit, where he has been since 2022.
However, the report suggested that either club should be looking for a six-figure fee to prise Henderson away from the Bairns.
Kyreece Lisbie
Kyreece Lisbie was the next to be linked with Oxford, Reading and Peterborough showing interest in the Colchester winger, according to Ramy Abou-Setta.
The 22-year-old winger saw bids rejected in January but is widely expected to depart in the summer.
He scored eight goals and registered eight assists for Danny Cowley’s side last season.
Abubakr Barry
Sky Sports Austria reporter Eric Niederseer reported that Oxford were one of several clubs showing interest in Austria Vienna midfielder Abubakr Barry.
However, Red Bull Salzburg had already placed a bid between £2.5 million and £3.5 million, which could outprice the U’s if they are keen.
The 25-year-old Gambia international has been a key part of the Austrian Bundesliga outfit, but Oxford remain keen.
Malachi Fagan-Walcott
Oxford face fierce competition for York City defender, Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
The National League champions had rejected an initial bid from Scottish Premiership runners-up Hearts, but the U’s are also keen on the 24-year-old centre back.
The former Tottenham youngster has previous north of the border with a loan spell at Dundee and Dunfermline.
However, the Edinburgh-based club have since seen a seven-figure bid accepted, so it looks as though Oxford’s chances are minimal, despite the defender yet to agree personal terms.
Jaze Kabia
Oxford face a battle with Leyton Orient to sign Grimsby striker Jaze Kabia, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The Irish attacker scored 23 goals and laid on three assists as the Mariners made a push for promotion from League Two.
Kabia has one year remaining on his deal after signing a two-year contract last summer.
Alex Mitchell
Like Henderson, reports suggest Oxford are to battle with Plymouth for another centre back.
Charlton defender Alex Mitchell is on the radar of both clubs, according to Football League World.
The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Home Park, but Oxford are keen to hijack any potential return to Devon.
Mitchell, who won Plymouth’s Supporters’ Player of the Season, has one year remaining on his deal at the Valley.
Outgoings
Brian De Keersmaecker
The first player to be linked with a move away was midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker.
The 26-year-old has been touted with a return to the Championship with Derby, according to Alan Nixon.
Last year’s marquee signing saw his season curtailed with a shoulder injury, which frustrated head coach Matt Bloomfield after the player made the decision to have an operation at the time rather than in the summer.
The U’s beat off Championship competition to sign him from Heracles last summer, so it’s little surprise to see him linked with an immediate return to the second tier.
Michal Helik
While he hasn’t necessarily been linked with a move away, relegation to the third tier revealed information regarding Michal Helik’s contract.
Reports in Poland claimed that the defender had a release clause of around £650,000, and he could be tempted to return to the place of his birth in the summer.
Louie Sibley
Midfielder Louie Sibley is another to be linked with a move away, with League One newcomers MK Dons showing interest.
The former Derby man joined the U’s two summers ago but has spent much of his time at Grenoble Road away on loan.
Clearly out of favour in the Championship, Sibley managed just 21 appearances for Oxford in two seasons.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
