Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Kassam Extension, Transfer Rumours and Retained List

There is plenty to cover this week for Oxford United, which includes a significant update on the stadium situation.

Elsewhere, one of the U’s players has been attracting interest while reports suggest Oxford are keeping tabs on a League One striker.

Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Rumours, Stadium News and Retained List

Championship Trio Target Academy Graduate

Middlesbrough, Southampton and Coventry City are all interested in a move for Oxford midfielder, Tyler Goodrham, according to Football League World.

The 21-year-old had an impressive debut season in the second tier with nine goal contributions as the U’s avoided relegation.

The Republic of Ireland youth player is seen as one of Oxford’s most prized assets, and having penned a new long-term deal just last summer; it could take a hefty fee to prize him away from Grenoble Road.

U’s Agree to Stay at Kassam Stadium

Oxford United will stay at Grenoble Road for two more seasons, on the condition that their plans for a new ground receives planning permission.

The U’s don’t own their current stadium and the lease expires next summer. However, the club and Firoz Kassam – the owner – have agreed to a short-term licence.

Oxford will hope to find out the fate of the proposed new stadium in the summer, having initially submitted planning for a 16,000-capacity stadium at the end of February 2024.

The club have been given the green light on a further season at Grenoble Road and should planning go ahead, there’s an option to extend for one more season if necessary.

Grant Ferguson, chairman of Oxford United, said: “The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready.

“There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed.

“Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.”

Firoz Kassam stated: “Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter.

“Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”

Rowett on U’s Departures

Rowett said: “Ultimately, we’re not looking to sell any of our players unless somebody wants to pay an inflated price to get one of them, and then of course I’m sure Ed [Waldron, head of football operations] and the guys would look at i

“But realistically we want all those players on board. Some of them we want to tie down for longer, and for some that might not be the case.

“We want to strengthen the team next year. We don’t want to weaken the team. I think that’s the easiest way of answering some of the speculation.”

U’s Considering Barnsley Striker

Oxford are one of three Championship clubs mulling over a move for Barnsley striker, Davis Keillor-Dunn, according to Football League World.

The 27-year-old netted 18 times for the Tykes in League One after hitting 22 the season before for Mansfield in League Two.

Having missed out on the playoffs, the South Yorkshire club may be looking to cash in, with Keillor-Dunn having two more years on his current deal.

Oxford United Announce Retained List

On Friday, Oxford confirmed the list of players to be retained and released following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Josh McEachran, Joe Bennett, Max Woltman, Eddie Brearey and George Franklin have left following the expiry of their contract.

In addition, Przemysław Płacheta has triggered an extension to his contract for a further year. One-year extensions have also been taken up by Richard McIntyre and Aidan Elliott-Wheeler.

The club have also taken up the option of a one-year extension for Gatlin O’Donkor whilst also offering the forward a new long-term deal. Goalkeeper Matt Ingram has also been offered a new contract. Professional contracts have been offered to Monty Marriott, Zaide Took-Oxley, Kasway Burton, and Aaron Lacey.