Oxford United Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Oxford United as they aim to build on their recent successes and continue their upward trajectory in English football. With a blend of experienced veterans, promising young talents, and strategic new signings, the squad is poised to compete at the highest level. This season’s roster reflects a careful balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to face the challenges ahead. Below, we take an in-depth look at the players who will be donning the yellow and blue this season, categorized by their positions.
Goalkeepers
- Jack Stevens
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oxford United (academy), Lincoln City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Jack Stevens has firmly established himself as Oxford United’s first-choice goalkeeper. A product of the club’s academy, Stevens has grown into a reliable shot-stopper with excellent reflexes and command of his penalty area. His loan spell at Lincoln City during the 2022/23 season proved pivotal in his development, where he gained valuable experience in high-pressure situations. Standing at 6’2”, Stevens is dominant in aerial duels and has improved his distribution, making him a modern goalkeeper capable of playing out from the back. His leadership qualities and consistency make him a cornerstone of the squad.
- Simon Eastwood
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, Halifax Town
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2016)
A seasoned campaigner, Simon Eastwood provides invaluable experience and depth to the goalkeeping department. Now in his late 30s, Eastwood’s reflexes may have slowed slightly, but his positioning and reading of the game remain top-notch. Having spent the majority of his career at Oxford United, he is a fan favorite and a mentor to younger players. His presence in the dressing room is crucial, and he remains a dependable option when called upon.
- Eddie Brearey
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oxford United (academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Eddie Brearey is the third-choice goalkeeper and one for the future. At just 20 years old, Brearey has shown immense potential during his time in the academy and youth setups. His agility and shot-stopping ability have earned him praise, and he is expected to gain experience through loan spells in the lower leagues. Brearey’s development will be closely monitored, as he is seen as a long-term prospect for the club.
Defenders
- Sam Long
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oxford United (academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Sam Long is the embodiment of loyalty and consistency. A versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back, Long has been a mainstay in the Oxford United defense for several seasons. His no-nonsense approach, coupled with his ability to read the game, makes him a reliable option. Long’s leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable, and his commitment to the club has endeared him to the fans.
- Elliott Moore
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Leicester City, OH Leuven (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £150,000 (2019)
Club captain Elliott Moore is the defensive linchpin of the team. Standing at 6’5”, Moore is a towering presence in both boxes, excelling in aerial duels and set-piece situations. His calmness under pressure and ability to organize the backline have been instrumental in Oxford’s defensive solidity. Moore’s leadership qualities and consistent performances make him one of the first names on the team sheet.
- Ciaron Brown
- Nationality: Northern Irish
- Former Clubs: Cardiff City, Livingston (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Ciaron Brown has quickly become a fan favorite due to his tenacity and work rate. Primarily a left-sided center-back, Brown is also comfortable playing as a left-back. His aggressive style of defending and ability to make crucial interceptions have been key to Oxford’s defensive success. Brown’s versatility and commitment to the cause make him an essential part of the squad.
- Fin Stevens
- Nationality: Welsh
- Former Clubs: Brentford, Swansea City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £500,000 (2023)
Fin Stevens joined Oxford United in 2023 and has since established himself as the first-choice right-back. Known for his attacking prowess and defensive discipline, Stevens is a modern full-back who contributes equally to both phases of the game. His crossing ability and pace make him a constant threat down the flank, while his defensive awareness ensures he is rarely caught out of position.
- Greg Leigh
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: NAC Breda, Aberdeen, Morecambe
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Greg Leigh is a dynamic left-back who offers energy and creativity down the left flank. His ability to overlap and deliver dangerous crosses adds an extra dimension to Oxford’s attack. Defensively, Leigh is solid and rarely gets beaten one-on-one. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset to the squad.
- Stephan Negru
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Shelbourne
- Transfer Fee: £200,000 (2023)
Stephan Negru is a young center-back with immense potential. Signed from Shelbourne in 2023, Negru has quickly adapted to English football. His physicality and composure on the ball have impressed the coaching staff, and he is seen as a future star. While still developing, Negru has shown glimpses of his talent and is expected to play a more prominent role this season.
Midfielders
- Cameron Brannagan
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Liverpool, Fleetwood Town (loan), Wigan Athletic (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £200,000 (2018)
Cameron Brannagan is the heartbeat of Oxford United’s midfield. A technically gifted player with an eye for goal, Brannagan’s passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are second to none. His leadership and experience make him a key figure in the squad, and he is often the driving force behind Oxford’s attacking play. Brannagan’s set-piece delivery and knack for scoring from distance add another dimension to his game.
- Marcus McGuane
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona B, Nottingham Forest
- Transfer Fee: £300,000 (2021)
Marcus McGuane is a box-to-box midfielder with exceptional technical ability. His time at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is evident in his playing style, characterized by quick passing and intelligent movement. McGuane’s energy and versatility allow him to excel in various midfield roles, making him an indispensable part of the team.
- Ruben Rodrigues
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Notts County
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Ruben Rodrigues is a creative midfielder who has quickly become a fan favorite. Known for his flair and ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes, Rodrigues has added a new dimension to Oxford’s attack. His vision and technical skills make him a constant threat in the final third, and he has already contributed with several goals and assists.
- Josh McEachran
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Chelsea, Brentford, Birmingham City
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Josh McEachran brings a wealth of experience to the midfield. A product of Chelsea’s academy, McEachran is known for his composure on the ball and ability to control the tempo of the game. His passing accuracy and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset, particularly in tight matches where possession is key.
- Tyler Goodrham
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oxford United (academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Tyler Goodrham is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Oxford’s academy in recent years. A dynamic attacking midfielder, Goodrham’s dribbling skills and eye for goal have already made an impact. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best young talents, and he is expected to play a more significant role this season.
Forwards
- Mark Harris
- Nationality: Welsh
- Former Clubs: Cardiff City, Wrexham (loan), Portsmouth (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Mark Harris is a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line. His pace and work rate make him a constant threat to opposition defenses, while his ability to link play and create chances for teammates adds another dimension to his game. Harris’s goal-scoring record has been impressive since joining Oxford, and he is expected to lead the line this season.
- Gatlin O’Donkor
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oxford United (academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Gatlin O’Donkor is a young striker with immense potential. Standing at 6’3”, O’Donkor is a physical presence who excels in aerial duels and hold-up play. His goal-scoring instincts and ability to bring others into play have earned him praise, and he is seen as a future star for both club and country.
- Billy Bodin
- Nationality: Welsh
- Former Clubs: Bristol Rovers, Preston North End, Oxford United
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Billy Bodin is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or winger. Known for his technical ability and eye for goal, Bodin has been a consistent performer for Oxford. His experience and versatility make him a valuable option in the attacking third, and he remains a key player in the squad.
- Kyle Edwards
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Kyle Edwards is a pacy winger who adds width and creativity to Oxford’s attack. His dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him a constant threat. Edwards’s versatility allows him to play on either flank, providing the team with tactical flexibility.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Oxford United squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with each player bringing unique qualities to the table. From the commanding presence of Elliott Moore in defense to the creative brilliance of Cameron Brannagan in midfield and the goal-scoring prowess of Mark Harris up front, the team is well-equipped to compete on all fronts. With a strong core of academy graduates and astute signings, the future looks bright for Oxford United as they aim to achieve their ambitions in the coming season.