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Nine players exit Oxford United following contract expirations
Oxford United will release nine players this summer as their contracts come to an end, the club confirmed on Monday. The departures follow the team's relegation to League One after a challenging season.
Key departures and contributions
Polish winger Przemysław Płacheta, who joined the club in the summer of 2024, is among those leaving. Płacheta made 60 appearances for Oxford United but was sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign due to a hamstring injury sustained in April.
Defender Hidde ter Avest, who spent nearly two years at the Kassam Stadium, also played a pivotal role during the club's two seasons in the Championship. Midfielder Myles Peart-Harris, who signed in January, featured in 20 matches, while forward Owen Dale, who arrived from Blackpool in 2024, spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.
Other players set to leave include Will Goodwin, Joshua Johnson, Steph Negru, Tom Bradshaw, Stuart Findlay, and Jacob Knightbridge.
Club acknowledges players' efforts
"I would like to place on record my thanks to each of the players for their contribution and professionalism during their time at Oxford. Przemysław Płacheta and Hidde ter Avest both played significant roles across our two seasons in the Championship, while players such as Myles Peart-Harris and Owen Dale made important contributions during key periods in the club's recent history."
Ed Waldron, Head of Football Operations
Rebuilding for the future
Oxford United's recruitment process for the upcoming season has been underway for several months. The club aims to strengthen the squad as it prepares for a push to return to the Championship next term.
Waldron added: "We will continue to look at ways to strengthen and improve the squad as we look to respond next season and push for promotion back to the Championship."
