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.

Ciaron Brown (left) celebrates his Oxford United goal against Preston North End with Will Lankshear (right) (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

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.

Siriki Dembele wins a foul (Image: Mike Allen)

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.

Oxford United striker Nik Prelec (Image: OUFC)

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.