How Oxford United loan players fared in 2025/26 season

The U’s have seen seven players play elsewhere during the second half of the season.

Matt Bloomfield and the Yellows’ hierarchy must build and retain a strong squad this summer to challenge in League One next season after their relegation from the Championship.

Oxford heavily utilised the loan market this campaign with both incoming and outgoings, their outgoing names experiencing mixed fortunes.

Starting with the players that are still contracted to the U’s, Peter Kioso, Louie Sibley, and James Golding all had temporary spells elsewhere.

Sibley is still with League One side Bradford City, however he has not featured in a Bantams squad since February 21.

Louis Sibley in action for Bradford City (Image: Thomas Gadd)

It is understood that Bradford boss Graham Alexander had high hopes for the 24-year-old after his January arrival but things have not worked out for the midfielder and, after only four appearances, he is well down the pecking order.

He has played just nine times all season.

Bradford are 1-0 down on aggregate in the League One play-off semi-finals with the second leg still to play.

Still contracted to the club, it will be interesting to see what happens regarding Sibley’s future in OX4.

Kioso endured the whole season at 18th-placed Peterborough United in League One, captaining the side 17 times.

The 26-year-old scored once and assisted twice this term in 32 total appearances.

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Huddersfield Town’s Sean Roughan and Peterborough United’s Peter Kioso have an aerial (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

Finally, defender Golding spent the second half of the season at National League side Southend United.

Playing the first half with Crewe Alexandra in League One, Golding moved to the fifth tier in January after picking up an injury and returning to Oxford in the new year.

The 21-year-old has since played 16 times for Southend including once in the National League play-offs which saw the lose Shrimpers lose to Scunthorpe United.

Golding’s loan team will face Wealdstone in the FA Trophy final this Sunday.

Oxford United centre back James Golding features against Chelsea (Image: David Fleming)

The four other players out on loan – Owen Dale, Will Goodwin, Tom Bradshaw, and Stephan Negru – have all departed after the Yellows confirmed their retained list this week.

Dale spent the season at Plymouth Argyle and is in talks to return there permanently.

Bradshaw scored three goals in 19 matches for Barnsley in League One since January.

24-year-old Goodwin scored four goals in 30 games for Colchester United after an early two-month injury.

Negru was with Tranmere Rovers since January and played 14 times for the club after an earlier stint with Bristol Rovers was curtailed by injury.