Oxford United have sharpened their focus on Kyreece Lisbie, the 22‑year‑old Colchester forward, as Peterborough United’s chairman Darragh MacAnthony dismissed any chance of a move to the Posh or Sheffield Wednesday. The U’s, still without a summer signing, see Lisbie as a potential answer to the loss of Will Lankshear to Tottenham.

Why is Lisbie on Oxford United’s radar?

Lisbie burst onto the League Two scene last term, netting 11 goals and providing eight assists for Colchester United. His twin brother Kyrell already stars for Peterborough, but Darragh MacAnthony made it clear on X that his brother will not join him, calling the price “too expensive”. With Reading out of the hunt and Sheffield Wednesday reportedly losing interest, the competition has narrowed to Huddersfield Town and Oxford United.

How does the transfer fit into Oxford’s current challenges?

Oxford United sit 22nd in the Championship, 47 pts from 46 games, recent form LWLLW, after a 2‑0 defeat at Millwall on 2 May 2026. The side has scored 45 goals and conceded 59, sitting 48 points behind leaders Coventry. Losing top scorer Lankshear has left a void on the right, where Stan Mills is the only traditional midfielder. Adding Lisbie would give manager Matt Bloomfield a versatile option on the left or as a second striker, easing the pressure on Aidomo Emakhu, Jeon Jin‑woo and fringe players Siriki Dembele and Marselino Ferdinan.

What are the financial expectations?

Reports from the Reading Chronicle suggest a fee between £500,000 and £750,000 for Lisbie, who is entering the final year of his contract. MacAnthony’s comments about “massive clubs” offering higher wages hint that Oxford must act quickly and perhaps sweeten the deal with performance‑related add‑ons to stay competitive.

What’s next for Oxford United?

If the deal goes through, Lisbie could join training ahead of the next fixture away at Aldershot Town on 21 July 2026. That match will be the first test of any new signing under Bloomfield’s summer plan. With the club still 48 points adrift of the promotion race, securing a proven goal‑getter could be the spark needed to climb out of the relegation zone.

How does this affect the wider transfer market?

Peterborough’s clear stance may push Huddersfield Town to intensify their pursuit, but the Posh’s refusal to sell to a direct rival could also open the door for other League One clubs. For Oxford, the window is closing fast; the summer transfer period opened on Monday and they have yet to register a single arrival. Every day without a signing widens the gap to clubs already bolstering their squads.

The Lisbie saga illustrates how a single player can reshape a club’s summer strategy, especially when the team is battling at the foot of the table. Oxford United must decide quickly whether to lock in the forward before the competition revives.