Oxford united FC
Three key areas Oxford United must strengthen this summer
The U’s confirmed their retained list this week with 10 players leaving the club after their contracts expire.
Matt Bloomfield declared after the regular Championship ended that the Yellows squad is not in need of an overhaul, however, there are areas that need addressing in the summer transfer window.
Centre back
With only two first-team centre backs on the books in Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown, the U’s are in desperate need of depth in this position.
Golding is the only other option but the academy graduate has not played higher than League Two level for a consistent period and was most recently on loan at Southend United in the National League.
Helik and Brown both offer Championship and League One experience and are a strong duo, but Oxford could do with two central defenders (at least) to provide cover and competition at the back.
We recently suggested Cambridge United standout Kelland Watts as someone the U’s should target.
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Right wing
The Yellows have four recognised left midfielders in Aidomo Emakhu, Jeon Jin-woo, Siriki Dembele, and Ferdinan, yet only one on the opposite side in Stan Mills.
Decisions must be made on the futures of Dembele and Ferdinan – the former has not featured for United since February 3 and the latter in over a year.
Whilst those on the left could do a job on the right if needed, a natural right midfielder should be an area Oxford look at this summer.
Links to Wycombe Wanderers wide man Fred Onyedinma have appeared in recent days with his future up in the air amidst potential U’s interest.
Striker
Whilst Oxford do have two capable options, fans are not struck with much confidence up front heading into next season.
Mark Harris has a decent record in League One – he scored 15 goals in his last third-tier campaign when the Yellows were promoted – but only netted nine across two Championship seasons with United.
Nik Prelec is the other, assuming O’Donkor will move out on loan or permanently, but he is still somewhat of an unknown quantity after a lack of consistent minutes following his move from Italian side Cagliari.
The Slovenian showed some good signs at times but only managed one goal in 24 Championship games this season.
There is a world where either option hits the ground running, but going into next term with two relatively untrustworthy picks feels too much of a risk.
Bringing in a striker with a more recent proven goal scoring record at the level would be a sensible move by the club.
The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
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But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has insisted that Stanley Mills’ departure for Preston North End was ‘the best decision’.
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