CAMERON Brannagan has signed a new long-term contract with Oxford United.

The 28-year-old midfielder, whose previous deal was set to expire next summer, has seen Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion tenuously linked with him during the current transfer window.

U’s head coach Des Buckingham has been firm though in saying that the club isn’t in a position where they need to sell any of their prized assets, with the announcement of a new contract for Tyler Goodrham coming earlier this afternoon.

In a further show of strength from United, Brannagan has put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the club.

READ ALSO: Tyler Goodrham commits long-term future to Oxford United

He told the U’s website: “I’ve been here for what feels like a long time now and I’ve loved every single minute of it.

“Last season was special, and we want to push on now and do well as it’s a massive year for everyone at the club.

“I love the place and the people of Oxford, and this is home to me now, so there is only one place I want to be and it’s here. 

“I can never repay the club for what they have done for me and I’m ready to go again and help take this club on again.” 

Buckingham added: “Cameron has been one of the best players in League One for many seasons and I am delighted we now get to see him continue with us as we enter an exciting new era.

“He has spent the past six years striving to help this club reach the Championship and his ability, goals and continued desire to win has played a key role in us being where we are today.

“But equally, over his six years, Cameron has built such a special bond and connection with the fans of this club, and this plays a huge part in who we want to be as a football club.

“Continuing to secure our best players while recruiting others is as important, if not more important, especially in this case.

“We can now all look forward to being a much stronger team with Cameron here and look forward to his positive contributions on and off the pitch for seasons to come.”

Brannagan came through the academy at Liverpool, and played nine games for the first team.

He had a loan spell with Fleetwood Town in the second half of the 2016/17 season, and joined United for an undisclosed fee in January 2018.

Brannagan scored seven goals in 39 appearances across all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign, as the U’s lost to Wycombe Wanderers in the Sky Bet League One play-off final.

A rare inflammation behind his right eye in October 2020 saw Brannagan hospitalised, and his recovery saw him miss three months of football.

Despite that, Brannagan made 40 appearances in the 2020/21 season, but again United came up short in the play-offs, this time losing to Blackpool in the semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate.

It was the Seasiders, fresh off promotion to the Championship after beating Lincoln City in the play-off final, who then chased Brannagan’s signature that summer.

The Tangerines pressed again for Brannagan in January 2022, the same month he scored four penalties in a 7-2 win at Gillingham, breaking a Football League record.

It was in July 2022 that Brannagan signed a three-year deal with the U’s, following further interest from Blackpool, who had triggered a seven-figure release clause.

Brannagan’s importance to United was fully underlined last season, when he grabbed 13 goals in 51 games, as the U’s won promotion from League One.

In total, he has netted 54 goals in 290 matches for United.