Oxford United have 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 will depart the Club following the expiration of their contracts this summer.
Bennett joined Oxford on an initial short-term contract in November 2023 before going on to make 34 appearances in all competitions. The left-back started in the 2024 Play-Off Final against Bolton Wanderers and featured 12 times in the Championship.
McEachran moved to United in 2023 and went on to play 49 times. Another player who contributed at Wembley, the midfielder also featured 12 times in this season’s Championship.
21-year-old Woltman leaves after playing three times for the U’s across two seasons, while Youth Academy graduates Brearey and Franklin also depart.
The Club can confirm that 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.
Oxford United have 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.
Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, said: “I would like to offer my thanks to each of the players departing the Club.
“Both Joe Bennett and Josh McEachran have played important roles in the progression of Oxford United over the last few years, helping to deliver promotion and then stabilise the Club in the Championship.
“Their quality and experience have been crucial in our development, and I’m certain both will be real assets to whichever club they continue their fantastic careers with.
“Max Woltman has been through an incredibly difficult period with the Club due to injury. Despite this, he has been an extremely popular figure at the Training Ground, and I want to wish him and the rest all the best going forward.
“The recruitment process has been in motion for several months for the upcoming 2025/26 season. We will continue to look at ways to improve the squad to build on what was a successful first campaign back in the Championship.”
