Oxford united FC
Oxford United boss opens up on transfer ban & squad absences
The former Arsenal and Premier League icon has been in charge of the U’s for almost four weeks after taking over from Matt Bloomfield.
United are currently in Spain for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
Oxford were hit with the transfer ban last week meaning they are temporarily banned from registering any new players.
The club have stated that they will be in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window.
“I can empathise with the fans – the frustration and things in that situation and maybe not having that clarity – but from my perspective, nothing changes,” the former Wales international said.
“I’m really excited to work with this group of players. The way that I work and my staff work, I feel like there’s a lot of room for improvement as well.
“We’re fully committed to this. It’s just bringing everybody together to make sure we have a successful season, but also I’m calm and confident.
“I’m reassured that this situation will be resolved as quickly as possible.”
Ramsey also touched on the absences of winger Stan Mills and new signing Frankie Kent from the squad in Spain.
Kent has been confirmed to be out of action for a number of months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury after only joining the club last month.
“We’re really gutted about Frankie’s situation,” the 35-year-old Yellows boss continued.
“He’s a really positive character, really excited to work with him, but sometimes these things happen in football, but we’re right behind him. We’ll stand by him through this difficult time and I’m sure he’ll be back before we know it.
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United loanee joins Auxerre in Ligue 1 from Luton
READ MORE: Oxford United three players who be kept after transfer ban
“Stan had an illness earlier on in the week, so the doc’s been monitoring that back at home.
“We feel like it’s best now that he gains a little bit of fitness back there, but I’m excited for him to re-join the group now on Monday.”
Ramsey added two new faces to his coaching staff recently in former Wales teammate Chris Gunter and ex-Cardiff City Under-18s lead coach Tom Hutton.
“I always knew [Gunter] was destined to go on and become a great coach as well.
“He understands it from the player’s perspective. He’s really detailed and has a great energy about him as well.
“The way he sees the game is exactly the way that I see the game.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been starting my coaching journey with the Cardiff 18s and seeing the way that [Hutton] works.
“I was blown away by his detail and the way that he sees the game and the way that he can transform that onto the grass.
“I think they’re great additions for us and so far, I think the boys have bought into them.”
The centre back spent the second half of last season at Oxford under previous head coach Matt Bloomfield after joining in the January transfer window.
Makosso joined on loan with an option to buy which was not undertaken by the club after their Championship relegation, with the 22-year-old returning to parent club Luton at the end of the season.
Playing seven times for the U’s, the Congo international started well under Bloomfield but lost his place in the starting line-up to Michal Helik after arriving late to the Kassam before United beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in late February.
Makosso has now found a new club after returning to the Hatters in League One, joining French side Auxerre.
He joins for an undisclosed fee – French outlet L’Equipe reported that the fee is a little over £2 million – after spending 18 months contracted to Luton.
READ MORE: Oxford United three players who be kept after transfer ban
READ MORE: Reported Championship interest in Oxford United star man
The young defender began his career in his native Congo with CARA Brazzaville before securing a move to Europe with French side Sochaux.
The ex-Yellows loanee then moved to RWDM Brussels in Belgium before arriving at Kenilworth Road in January 2025.
Makosso has played five times for his national team after making his debut in 2022.
His new club, Auxerre, finished 15th in the 18-team French first division last season, avoiding the relegation places by 10 points.
The 30-year-old signed for the U’s three weeks ago, but is set to spend the majority of the season on the sidelines.
Oxford United confirmed Kent sustained the injury during training.
It has not been stated which of the three grades of ACL injury Kent sustained, but it is most likely either a grade two (partial tear) or a grade three (complete tear). Grade three tears require surgery, but surgery can be given for grade two depending on the circumstances.
The defender, who joined the club this summer after three years with Heart of Midlothian, will now begin his recovery under the care of the club’s medical staff.
The club said: “Everyone at Oxford United wishes Frankie a full and speedy recovery, and the entire club will support him every step of the way.”
Kent joined the U’s on a free transfer after his contract expired in Edinburgh and was the first new signing of the summer transfer window.
He is also the first addition under Aaron Ramsey, the Oxford head coach, who replaced Matt Bloomfield a few weeks ago.
The former Peterborough United and Colchester United centre-back has League One experience with the Posh before moving across the border in 2023.
His move to Oxford came as Hearts decided to go in a different direction.
Kent was not a regular starter last season, playing third choice behind Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay. It was the first time in his career that he wasn’t a regular starter.
However, Craig Cairns of the Hearts Standard gave insight into Kent’s playing style and qualities.
He said: “He’s great in the air, though should score more goals, physical and good at 1v1 defending.
“The reason he is so popular is that he always gave his all.
“He had poor days like everyone else but his attitude was never in doubt.”
Despite his lack of regular starts last season, Cairns believes Kent will be a success with Oxford United.
He said: “I can’t say I know too much about the style or standard in League One, but from what I can tell there are similarities in terms of physicality.
“There’s no doubt he’ll deal with that no problem and he came to Scotland with plenty of experience in England from his time at Peterborough.
“Obviously there are no guarantees with any signing, but I am confident Kent will be a success.”
Cairns also praised Kent’s leadership abilities, stating that he was the back-up captain whenever Hearts’ vice-captain Halkett was unavailable.
He added: “And 30 is young in football now. I’m confident he’s still got at least a few years in him.”
The club was found to have not been compliant with the EFL’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations after their relegation from the Championship.
United have been banned from registering any new players until they are compliant, with the club stating they will be ‘in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window’.
Aaron Ramsey’s side had brought in one new signing before confirmation of the embargo in former Heart of Midlothian centre back Frankie Kent who is not yet registered.
The pressure is now on to keep their star players with a long couple of months ahead fending off interest from elsewhere.
Whilst there a clearly Oxford players who will garner significant interest, these are the players who must stay at the club this summer.
Cameron Brannagan
Possibly the most obvious, but keeping hold of Cameron Brannagan is a must this summer.
The U’s captain and one of their most experienced names, Brannagan will be essential in holding things together both on and off the pitch within the United squad this season.
The 30-year-old has been at the club for eight years now, becoming a club hero after helping secure promotion to the Championship two years ago, and is an outstanding midfielder at League One level.
His passing range, shooting expertise and leadership will be crucial this season as he helps provide stability after an already turbulent summer.
Jamie Cumming
The goalkeeping department is a crucial one to maintain this summer.
After already losing number two keeper Matt Ingram to West Bromwich Albion earlier this month, keeping the main man in between the sticks is a must.
READ MORE: Reported Championship interest in Oxford United star man
READ MORE: Oxford United head to Spain without star man and new signing
Jamie Cumming has shown himself to be an impressive shot-stopper in the Championship and League One and keeping him fit and happy this season will be vital if the U’s are to have a good year.
Behind him is a 37-year-old Simon Eastwood before the Yellows have to dip into their academy for depth, so keeping Cumming at the club is a no-brainer.
Tyler Goodrham
One that may fly under the radar after his season-ending injury in January, but keeping Tyler Goodrham could be a stroke of genius.
After missing the entire second half of last season it is unlikely he will garner much interest, but the 22-year-old could become a key man in the upcoming campaign.
Impressive in his most recent League One season, the U’s academy man is a more mature version of himself and now has Championship experience as well.
He is one of only one or two proper attacking midfielder and, being a Yellows product, could be one that brings hope and excitement to supporters.
-
Oxford News3 weeks agoJune heatwave would be ‘virtually impossible’ in 1976
-
Oxford Events3 weeks agoStage Watch: ‘I think we need much more laughter in the world’ says John Cleese
-
Student Life4 weeks agoOxford Union holds “This House Believes the West is Right to be Suspicious of Islam” Debate
-
UK News4 weeks agoUS to review benefits of having troops in Europe with ‘era of free-riding’ over – Europe live | World news
-
UK News4 weeks agoDriver killed in Bedford train crash named
-
UK News4 weeks agoCCTV shows moments leading up to arrest in anti-Muslim attacks probe
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoDidcot kids wanted by police for throwing eggs at cars
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoCyberCube & Affinity Marketplace streamline SME cyber quotes