Cambridge United can confirm its Retained List following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season…
11 players are departing the Club at the conclusion of their contracts, including Paul Digby and Jubril Okedina, both of whom have played a significant role in the Club’s recent history.
Paul Digby joined the U’s in July 2020 and was a key member of the League Two promotion winning team in his first year with the Club. Digby was also a mainstay throughout the past four seasons in League One, racking up 229 appearances in total, often as captain of the team.
After initially signing for the Club on loan in the January of the Club’s promotion winning season in 2021, Okedina went on to make 138 appearances in his four-and-a-half seasons for the U’s.
The pair are the last remaining members of the Lockdown Legends team and were also in the starting XI that beat Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the FA Cup Third Round.
Also released following the end of their contracts are Jack Stevens, Louis Chadwick, Danny Andrew, George Thomas, Jordan Cousins, Ben Stevenson, Dan Barton, Brandon Njoku and Amaru Kaunda.
Marko Marosi and Scott Malone’s short-term contracts with the Club have already expired, whilst Gary Gardner leaves by mutual agreement.
All seven loan players have returned to their parent clubs - Nathan Bishop, Dan Nlundulu, Taylor Richards, Esapa Osong, Josh Stokes, Dom Ballard and Manny Longelo.
Three players are in discussion with the Club over a new contract – Liam Bennett, Michael Morrison and Sullay Kaikai.
11 players are under contract for 2025/26, including Elias Kachunga, who triggered an additional year on his deal last season, via an appearance-related clause.
The other remaining under-contract players are as follows: Kell Watts, James Brophy, Korey Smith, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Ryan Loft, Shayne Lavery, Mamadou Jobe, James Gibbons, Glenn McConnell and George Hoddle.
Director of Football Mark Bonner said, “Relegation brings tough but necessary decisions, and this summer signals the beginning of an important rebuild for us. With Neil Harris now leading us into the new season, there’s a clear sense of purpose and direction as we reshape the squad to compete strongly and grow again.
“We say goodbye to some excellent professionals; individuals who have given their all to the Club. In particular, I want to thank Paul Digby for his exceptional commitment and leadership over several seasons. He’s been a true servant to Cambridge United.
“Jubril Okedina also gets a special mention for his role over the past four years – another member of our promotion winning team in 2021.
“We are grateful to all the players departing this summer for their efforts throughout their varied length of service; they depart with our very best wishes for the future.”
Players released:
- Jack Stevens
- Louis Chadwick
- Danny Andrew
- Paul Digby
- George Thomas
- Jubril Okedina
- Jordan Cousins
- Ben Stevenson
- Dan Barton
- Brandon Njoku
- Amaru Kaunda
Short term contracts expired:
- Marko Marosi
- Scott Malone
Leaving by mutual agreement:
Gary Gardner
Players in discussion over new contract:
- Liam Bennett
- Michael Morrison
- Sullay Kaikai
Loan players returning to parent club:
- Nathan Bishop
- Dan Nlundulu
- Taylor Richards
- Esapa Osong
- Josh Stokes
- Dom Ballard
- Manny Longelo
Under contract for 2025/26:
- Kell Watts
- James Brophy
- Elias Kachunga
- Korey Smith
- Zeno Ibsen Rossi
- Ryan Loft
- Shayne Lavery
- Mamadou Jobe
- James Gibbons
- Glenn McConnell
- George Hoddle
The Club wishes the very best to all departing players. News on second-year scholars being offered pro deals will follow in due course.