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.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan shoots from range (Image: Mike Allen)

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.

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Oxford United goalkeeper Jamie Cumming (Image: David Davies/PA)

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.

Tyler Goodrham strikes against Colchester United (Image: Mike Allen)

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.

Aaron Ramsey’s U’s are currently in Spain for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.

22-year-old Mills did not travel with the squad on Sunday; he was one of the players who stayed back due to illness and fitness issues.

The wide man won United’s Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards after managing three goals and four assists in 43 Championship appearances last season.

Mills was signed from Premier League club Everton in January 2025 and also spent the 2023/24 season on loan in OX4 before picking up a serious knee injury.

Stan Mills on the ball for United (Image: Mike Allen)

After struggling to secure a consistent starting place under Gary Rowett last season, the Englishman thrived under Matt Bloomfield and was a standout performer in a struggling Oxford team that eventually suffered relegation.

There is reported interest in Mills, who is son of former England and Manchester City defender Danny Mills, from several Championship clubs.

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Stan Mills in action for Oxford United (Image: Mike Allen)

One of those is Preston North End who, according to reporter Pete O’Rourke, are ‘lining up a move’ for the former Everton youngster.

Oxford are under pressure to keep hold of their key players after being hit with a temporary transfer embargo last week.

The club are restricted from registering any new players until financial issues are resolved, with United stating that they will not a be able to sign anyone until the January transfer window.

The message follows the club’s transfer embargo, which came after it failed to meet League One’s Salary Cost Management Protocol.

Through those rules clubs must demonstrate they can ‘fund their planned player expenditure and afford their playing budget’ before the start of the new season.

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In a letter released today (Wednesday, July 15) chairman Dusan Bogdanovic said he was sorry for the situation.

He said: “First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologise for the uncertainty and concern that recent news regarding our registration embargo has caused.

Oxford United’s new head coach Aaron Ramsey (Image: Newsquest)

“I am acutely aware of the trust that has been placed in the shareholders and the board, and that developments of this nature can lead to the relationship we have with you being called into question.”

Appointed to the chairmanship in May this year, Mr Bogdanovic said he felt it was important that supporters hear directly from senior leadership.

“Over the last few seasons,” he explained, “we had to rapidly adjust to the realities of competing in a higher division and the increase in funding that required”.

He added: “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to retain our championship status and are now working through the challenges that higher costs, reduced revenues and new financial rules present.

“We are sometimes required to make difficult decisions in the short term.

Plans for Oxford United stadium (Image: Oxford United)

“Those decisions are never taken lightly and, understandably, may not always be popular.

“However, our responsibility is to ensure we protect the long-term interests and sustainability of the club.”

The chairman went on to reassure fans that the registration embargo would not impact plans for the club’s new stadium, which is being proposed for near Kidlington and Oxford Parkway Station.

He added: “Securing a new home for Oxford United remains integral to our plans and our vision for the future of the club.

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“The stadium will not only be the club’s new home, but it is also the cornerstone of our long-term strategy and vital to ensuring Oxford United can thrive, grow and compete sustainably for many years ahead.”

He closed the statement with a message of optimism, saying that they would overcome the challenges ahead.

“The future of Oxford United is bright,” he said, “and our ambitions remain unchanged”.

He added: “I hope we can move forward together, united behind the team, united behind our vision, and united in our belief that the best days for Oxford United are still ahead of us.”