Former Chelsea star, 32, once labelled next Luka Modric wakes up unemployed after release by Championship club

Scottish Sun

16-05-2025

The 32-year-old was tipped to become a key player for Chelsea
RELEASE DATE Former Chelsea star, 32, once labelled next Luka Modric wakes up unemployed after release by Championship club
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
JOSH MCEACHRAN has woken up unemployed following Oxford United's brutal end-of-season cull.
The former Chelsea star, who was once compared to Luka Modric, joined the U's in the summer of 2023 on a one-year deal following the expiration of his contract with MK Dons.
3
Josh McEachran has been released by Championship side Oxford United
Credit: GETTY
3
The former Chelsea midfielder spent two seasons with the U's
Credit: GETTY
He inked a second-straight one-year deal with the club following the culmination of the 2023/24 season.
But the U's brass have opted NOT to hand the Oxford-born midfielder a new deal following their first season back in the Championship in 25 years.
An excerpt of a club statement read: "Oxford United have confirmed the list of players to be retained and released following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
"Josh McEachran, Joe Bennett, Max Woltman, Eddie Brearey and George Franklin will depart the Club following the expiration of their contracts this summer."
READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
BLUE BEAUTY £52m Chelsea flop 'could be handed shock lifeline by champions Liverpool'
Oxford's Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, said of the departures: 'I would like to offer my thanks to each of the players departing the Club.
'Both Joe Bennett and Josh McEachran have played important roles in the progression of Oxford United over the last few years, helping to deliver promotion and then stabilise the Club in the Championship.
'Their quality and experience have been crucial in our development, and I'm certain both will be real assets to whichever club they continue their fantastic careers with.
'Max Woltman has been through an incredibly difficult period with the Club due to injury.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
3
Josh McEachran was once tipped to become a big star at Chelsea
Credit: ACTION IMAGES
"Despite this, he has been an extremely popular figure at the Training Ground, and I want to wish him and the rest all the best going forward.
'The recruitment process has been in motion for several months for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release video
"We will continue to look at ways to improve the squad to build on what was a successful first campaign back in the Championship.'
McEachran has bounced from club to club after leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2015 following FIVE loan moves in five years.
Many at Stamford Bridge had high hopes for the midfielder, who made 22 appearances for the club, including former manager Andre Villas-Boas.
In August 2011, the Portuguese gaffer said of McEachran: 'This is a youngster with so much talent.
"Physique-wise, there is nothing to him at the moment.
"In the changing room you see him getting ready to go and train and he looks nothing like a footballer.
"His power and pace is in his head. But you could say the same about Luka Modric, Jack Wilshere or Samir Nasri.
" All are built with slight ­physiques but they are all among the finest ­midfield players in the world.
"Josh is going that way. His brain is always five yards ahead of the rest.
"I see in him very much as part of the future of this club.'