Why U's fans shouldn't be fearful of midfield ace ‘transfer rumours'

Yahoo

11-06-2025

AS another summer transfer window rolls back around, there are few Oxford United players who create more speculation than Cameron Brannagan.
The U's midfield maestro has reportedly gained more interest from a trio of Sky Bet Championship clubs since the end of the 2024/25 campaign, leading to renewed summer speculation surrounding his future.
Leicester City, Sheffield United and Stoke City have all apparently expressed their interest in tempting Brannagan away from the Kassam Stadium, however for now, the speculation appears to be nothing more than that.
After playing a key role in the Championship throughout the season, United fans can be reassured about Brannagan's future as he looks towards a fresh campaign.
READ ALSO: Simon Eastwood announces United contract extension
The former Liverpool academy graduate signed a new long-term contract in the summer of 2024, tying him down in OX4 for at least a further two seasons from this point.
Another statement of Brannagan's intent was mapped out in July 2023, launching the Cam Brannagan Football Academy with fellow teammate Simon Eastwood.
Brannagan came up with the idea with the U's goalkeeper on a car journey home and now oversees about 300 children at six different locations in what has been a resounding success across Oxfordshire, with sessions at Abingdon, Bicester and Kidlington.
Only in October, Brannagan said: 'This is where I see myself for the rest of my life, never mind the next couple of years.'
And even as recently as the end of April, Brannagan stated: 'Keep writing us off, and me being optimistic, and me wanting to push for the Premier League, I've said that I want to push for the Premier League, and I stand by that.'
READ AGAIN: Midfielder restates Premier League ambition with Oxford United
After a famous promotion to the Championship under the Wembley arch last May, the midfielder said United should look to aspire to the example of Ipswich Town.
With one of the smallest budgets in the division, the U's exceeded expectations of many outsider opinions to actually survive the drop this season.
However, with previous head coach Des Buckingham dubbing him 'one of the best players in League One', Brannagan put pen to paper, undoubtedly propelling the club into a better position with the number eight staying.
The 29-year-old started 33 times for United this season, assisting four times and scoring three goals including a staggering long-range strike away at Cardiff City in a crucial relegation six-pointer.
After suffering a knee injury which saw him sidelined for just over two months during the early stages of the season, Brannagan will hope he can enjoy a less interrupted year with the U's as they look to build on their solid first season back in the second tier for 25 years.