3 players that could leave Oxford United if they are relegated this season: Opinion
Oxford United are fighting to avoid relegation from the Championship, and failure to do so could see them lose several key players over the summer.
With only seven matches left this season, the U’s currently sit 23rd in the table—just one point from safety. Despite recent signs of improvement, including three wins in their last five games, manager Matt Bloomfield—who took over from Gary Rowett—faces a difficult run-in if the club is to remain in the second tier.
Oxford’s squad is widely regarded as one of the weaker sides in the division, though it does contain individual talents who could still influence the club’s survival bid.
Here are three players who could depart the Kassam Stadium this summer if Oxford are relegated:
Jack Currie
Currie joined Oxford in 2024 and spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient, where he made 36 appearances and registered two assists. This term, the 24-year-old left-back has featured 30 times for the U’s, contributing one assist. While his attacking numbers may not yet stand out, his defensive consistency has made him one of the team’s most reliable performers—and an appealing target for other Championship clubs. At his age, Currie will likely want to compete at the highest possible level, and a drop to League One could stall his development.
Myles Peart-Harris
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joined Oxford on a short-term deal from Brentford in January. After impressing on loan at Swansea City last season—scoring four goals and adding three assists in 30 appearances—Peart-Harris has the quality to play above League One. Although he has netted just once for Oxford so far, that modest return belies his true potential. If the U’s go down, holding onto him would be a tall order.
Brian De Keersmaecker
Since arriving at Oxford, the 25-year-old Belgian has been a central figure in midfield. Signed by Gary Rowett as his first acquisition of the season, De Keersmaecker has provided five assists in 26 appearances. His absence since suffering an injury in late January has been strongly felt. Given his quality, it seems unlikely Oxford could keep him in League One.
If the U’s are relegated, these three players may well seek moves elsewhere to continue their careers at a higher level—leaving the club with a major rebuilding job ahead of a return to League One.