Josh Murphy to leave Oxford United after failing to agree new contract

OXFORD United have announced that Josh Murphy will leave the club after the winger failed to agree fresh terms with the side.

The 29-year-old was a hugely influential figure in United’s promotion from Sky Bet League One during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final.

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With his contract expiring this summer, and in reflection of his sensational form at the end of the season, it is understood the U’s offered Murphy a new deal within 24 hours of the Wembley play-off final.

Further negotiations took place between the club and player, who also spoke to other teams, and additional offers were made by United.

However, the U’s have confirmed those talks were ultimately unsuccessful, and that Murphy has opted to seek a new challenge away from United.

Head of recruitment Ed Waldron told the club website: “Josh departs having played an important role in our promotion success, and it was our ambition to see him remain at the club.

“We have been in contract negotiations with Josh since the turn of the year. The club put forward a fantastic offer and we did everything in our power to keep him at Oxford United.

“Josh has chosen to move on and go elsewhere, and we respect his decision. The club have a very clear recruitment strategy in place and will now focus on other targets as we continue to build a competitive squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.”

In total, Murphy scored 10 goals for the U’s, across 62 appearances in all competitions, during his almost two-year stint with the club.