Oxford united FC
Reading and Oxford interested in Wycombe’s Fred Onyedinma
The 29-year-old, who is in his fourth stint with the Chairboys, is rumoured to have rejected a new contract with the South Buckinghamshire side, according to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke.
This would make him a free agent when his current deal expires on June 30.
The Nigerian rejoined Wanderers in the autumn of 2024 and has since gone on to score 16 goals in 94 appearances during that period.
In the 2025/26 campaign, he netted 10 times in 48 games across all competitions, earning both the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards, the first time he has achieved the feat in his six seasons with the club across different spells.
With Wycombe expected to release their retained list by May 16, it is anticipated that Onyedinma is set to leave, with both Oxford and Reading showing interest.
Should he move east to Berkshire, he would be reunited with the Couhigs, under whom he played between 2019 and 2021.
During their reign, Wycombe gained promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history, with Onyedinma playing a key role. He scored twice in the League One play-off semi-final second leg against Fleetwood Town in a 2-2 draw at Adams Park, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory.
In the final, coincidentally against Oxford United at Wembley, he was fouled in the penalty area by goalkeeper Simon Eastwood with 11 minutes remaining and the score level at 1-1.
Club legend Joe Jacobson, now the CEO at Reading, converted the resulting penalty to seal a 2-1 victory and confirm Wanderers’ place in the second tier for the first time.
Alternatively, if the former Millwall, Luton Town and Rotherham United player opted to travel west along the M40, he would reunite with former teammate and current Oxford head coach Matt Bloomfield.
He would also link up again with ex-Chairboys head coach Mike Dodds, under whom Onyedinma played for six months between February and September 2025, before Dodds was sacked following a poor run of form. Dodds is now Bloomfield’s assistant.
Across his four spells at Wycombe, Onyedinma has scored 39 goals in 207 appearances.
Following the final-day victory against Rotherham United on May 2, head coach Michael Duff revealed that recruitment meetings were already underway, with the club expected to be busy in the market.
Deals are anticipated to be completed ahead of pre-season, with the possibility of additional arrivals once the campaign has begun.
The new league season will start on Saturday, August 15, with the first round of Carabao Cup fixtures taking place a week earlier on Saturday, August 8.
Head coach Matt Bloomfield has cited that Oxford do not require an overhaul of the squad, but reinforcements and possible replacements will likely be necessary this summer.
Sam Bell
Starting with a fairly ambitious one, out-of-contract Bristol City forward Sam Bell would be statement of intent.
A product of The Robins’ academy, the 23-year-old has never truly established himself as a consistent starter.
Bell scored three goals in the final four games of the season, leading caretaker boss Roy Hodgson to declare he has the potential to be a goal scorer.
With his future still up in the air, he may be more likely to move to a Championship club if he is to leave Bristol, but a season as a first-choice striker or forward at an aspiring promotion-challenger in Oxford could be tempting.
Fred Onyadinma
After turning down a contract offer recently at Wycombe Wanderers, Fred Onyadinma looks likely to leave The Chairboys this summer.
At 29, Onyadinma has experience in the top three tiers of English football and would be a strong addition either as a starter if Stan Mills is to leave or as competition.
The Nigerian scored 10 goals and bagged three assists in League One this season.
READ MORE: Oxford United key man ‘wanted’ by Championship club
READ MORE: Oxford United confirm retained list ahead of League One
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Kelland Watts
Kelland Watts has been part of the best defence in the EFL this season and was included the League Two Team of the Season after his stellar performances for Cambridge United this term.
Cambridge achieved promotion to the third tier, conceding just only 33 goals and managing an exemplary 20 clean sheets across the campaign.
Who’s got the best defence in the EFL?
46 games
33 goals conceded
20 clean sheetsBuilt from the back. 💪 pic.twitter.com/onQuVSNn0Y
— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) May 4, 2026
The 26-year-old is a standout in the air and also a threat in the opposing box, scoring six goals from centre back this season.
The U’s are low on centre backs with Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown the only senior options and Watts would be keen to challenge at a higher level.
The Cambridge defender is valued at £300,000 by Transfermarkt.
Abdul Abdulmalik
A name fresh on the lips of lower league fans, Abdul Abdulmalik has shone for National League side Boreham Wood this season.
A lightning-fast, tricky winger, Abdulmalik has scored 17 and assisted 10 in 54 appearances for The Wood, including a goal and dazzling assist in the recent play-off final in which his side sadly lost on penalties.
The 23-year-old has been tipped for a move up a division or two and would be an exciting addition in OX4.
The football club is asking for local support, inviting families to accommodate players aged 16 to 18.
The young athletes, who will be training at the Oxford United Training Centre, require a secure, friendly and supportive home environment, either on a long-term or a short-term basis.
The move is seen as crucial in offering stability and care for the players while they concentrate on their football ambition, offering them a vital foundation as they adapt to life off the field.
Important safeguarding and welfare measures have been set in place by the club to safeguard the well-being of all players during their stay.
Host families will get full guidance and ongoing support throughout the hosting process.
A spokesperson said: “Host families play a key role in helping young players settle into life off the pitch, offering stability and care as they focus on their footballing development and pursue their ambitions.
“If you have the space, warmth and commitment to support our young talent, we’d love for you to become part of the Oxford United family.”
Anyone interested in becoming a host family or who would like further information is asked to contact Helen Laughton, the academy executive assistant, via email: hlaughton@oufc.co.uk.
The U’s announced their retained list on Monday, with 10 players set to leave OX4.
Przemysław Płacheta, Myles Peart-Harris, Hidde ter Avest, Owen Dale, Will Goodwin, Joshua Johnson, Jacob Knightbridge, Stephan Negru, Tom Bradshaw, and Stuart Findlay will all leave the club after their contracts expire this summer.
The Yellows squad has now decreased in number as they prepare for a return to League One following their relegation from the Championship.
Matt Bloomfield’s side finished 22nd after a two-year stint in the second tier.
After their departures was announced, first team regulars Placheta and Peart-Harris both issued farewell statements on social media.
Polish winger Placheta posted on Instagram, saying: “After two years, the time has come to say goodbye.
“I want to thank everyone connected with the club.
“Thank you for welcoming me and my family from the very beginning and making Oxford feel like home.
“There were beautiful moments and difficult ones too, but for all of them I am sincerely grateful. This chapter helped me grow not only as a footballer but also as a person. The experiences, lessons, friendships and memories created here will stay with us forever.
“To the fans – thank you for your support, passion and belief throughout everything. Wearing this badge was an honour.
“I wish everyone nothing but success in the future and I truly hope Oxford United will be back in the Championship very soon.”
Peart-Harris joined The Yellows from Brentford in the January transfer window on a contract until the end of the season.
On X, the midfielder said: “A chapter comes to an end. Thank you for all the support, love and memories. It’s been a pleasure representing this club and playing in front of you all. Wishing the club nothing but the best going forward.”
A chapter comes to an end. Thank you for all the support, love and memories. It’s been a pleasure representing this club and playing in front of you all. Wishing the club nothing but the best going forward! 💛 pic.twitter.com/kihWq51A55
— Myles Peart-Harris (@PeartHarris) May 11, 2026
Centre back Negru, who spent the season on loan at Bristol Rovers and then Tranmere Rovers, also bid farewell to the club.
On Instagram, the 23-year-old said: “My time at Oxford United has come to an end, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for these unforgettable years. From the coaches and staff members, to every teammate I’ve shared the pitch with and the fans who have supported throughout – I’m truly grateful for the lessons, experiences, and moments this club has given me. I’ve made friendships and memories that will stay with me for life.
“It has been a real honour to represent this club and Oxford has played a huge part in my journey. I will always look back on my time here with pride. Thank you for everything.”
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