​Oxford United have been placed under a temporary transfer embargo by the English Football League, preventing them from making summer signings. New head coach Aaron Ramsey took charge just over two weeks ago, but now must work with the players already at the relegated club. The League One outfit say their priority is to preserve the “extremely competitive squad already in place,” and they remain confident the embargo will be lifted by the January window.
The embargo means Oxford cannot register new players during the current window because the club is not compliant with the EFL’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations. SCMPs govern financial fair play for all League One and League Two clubs, setting ceilings on the portion of a club’s turnover and funding that can be spent on player-related costs.
“Following relegation and with rule changes, the club has been working to align its financial position with the reporting requirements of League One,” Oxford said in a statement. “With a commitment from shareholders to increase investment into Oxford United over the coming months, alongside measures to reduce overall costs, the club will be compliant and in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window.”
The club emphasised that they already possess an extremely competitive squad and that the focus this summer will be on retaining those players who provide Aaron Ramsey and his staff with the strongest possible group to deliver success on the pitch this season.
Oxford United are back in League One after two campaigns in the Championship, having been relegated in April and finishing 22nd. Ramsey was appointed head coach in late June, marking his first permanent management role after previously serving as interim boss at Cardiff City. Oxford parted ways with former head coach Matt Bloomfield three days before Ramsey’s arrival.
The side will begin their campaign with a Carabao Cup tie against Leyton Orient on 8 August, followed by a league home fixture against MK Dons on 15 August.