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Oxford confirmed their position in the Championship for the 2025/26 season, but midfielder Cameron Brannagan is dreaming big ahead of the summer.
In many pundits pre-season predictions, Oxford’s Championship survival chances were written off after being promoted via the play-offs.
Josh Murphy, who is now starring for Portsmouth, scored a brace against Bolton Wanderers in the final at Wembley to book their place in the second tier.
The odds were stacked against the U’s consolidating their position in the Championship following promotion, yet under the guidance of Gary Rowett, Oxford guaranteed their survival last time out with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
After achieving their ultimate goal, the players will be dreaming of future success, with Cameron Brannagan aiming high.
Cameron Brannagan wants Premier League football with Oxford United
Oxford’s midfield maestro Brannagan has played an important role this term. In 32 league appearances, the former Liverpool academy gem has three goals and four assists to his name.
The 28-year-old has established himself as a solid Championship playmaker, but despite only just clinching survival, the Englishman is aiming for the very top with United.
Speaking to This is Oxfordshire, Brannagan said: “Ever since I’ve been here, we’re little Oxford and this and that. I don’t mind that. 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.
“Come next season, we want to regroup. We’ve stayed in the Championship and we’ll be here again next season. Why can’t we be ambitious and try and go as high as possible?”
“We’re a close-knit group, and I’ve said it many a time, results haven’t always been great this season, and frustrations have been there, but we stick together no matter what.”
Brannagan penned a long-term contract at the Kassam Stadium, committing his future to the club and has lofty ambitions, although they do look unachievable with Oxford.
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Oxford United likely to be fighting relegation in 2025/26
Although underdog stories are possible in the Football League, as seen with the success of Luton Town and Bournemouth, who both reached the Premier League against the odds.
It does seem unlikely that Oxford will be fighting at the top of the Championship next season, especially with the calibre of teams coming down from the top-flight and the likes of Birmingham City returning.
Birmingham can offer £30,000-per-week to new signings, and the Blues are set to break their transfer record this summer, beating the £15 million shelled out for Jay Stansfield.
In contrast, Oxford broke their transfer record with the transfer of Siriki Dembele from Peterborough United last summer before forward Ole Romeny became their first £1 million player in January 2025, according to BBC Oxford Sport.
Financially, they just don’t possess the funds to compete at the top, with Championship rivals eyeing Oxford star Ciaron Brown ahead of the summer.