Cambridge United can confirm its Retained List following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season…
Eight players will depart the Club at the end of their contracts, including Michael Morrison and James Brophy, who have made over 500 combined appearances for the U’s.
Headlines:
- Michael Morrison, James Brophy and Elias Kachunga amongst eight to leave
- James Gibbons offered new contract
- Three option years triggered including Jake Eastwood
- Loanees return to parent Clubs
Michael Morrison came through the U’s Academy before making his first-team debut in 2005 at the age of 17. After winning three consecutive Player of the Season awards, he earned a move to Leicester City and went on to represent Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City, Reading and Portsmouth.
Fifteen years after first leaving, Morrison returned to the Club in 2023 and played a key role in the U’s ‘Great Escape’ that season. Appointed Club Captain later that summer, he went on to lead the team back to League One this campaign, signing off in perfect fashion by lifting the promotion trophy at Crewe – a fitting end to a distinguished United career of 247 appearances – leaving as a Club legend.
James Brophy joined the Club in 2021 following promotion to League One and has been one of the most dependable players during that period. He made an outstanding 259 appearances across five seasons and became a fans’ favourite for his energy, consistency and ability to drive the team forward. He was named Player of the Season in 2024/25 and leaves having made a significant mark during his time with the Club.
Also departing is Elias Kachunga, always a popular and positive influence within the squad, who made 112 appearances across three seasons for the U’s, scoring 16 goals.
Korey Smith and Shayne Lavery, both at the Club for the past two years, move on after playing important roles for the team – Lavery scoring 12 goals from 49 appearances, while Smith provided dressing room leadership and experience across his 57 outings.
Shane McLoughlin and Ben Purrington, who both joined last summer, will also leave upon the expiry of their contracts. All depart as promotion winners, and for that – as well as their wider service to the Club – we thank them wholeheartedly.
Former Academy scholar Harry Dawson, who signed professional terms last year having joined as an U16, also departs.
2025/26 Player of the Season, James Gibbons has been offered a new contract, and option years have been triggered for Jake Eastwood, George Munday and JJ Briggs.
Kylian Kouassi, Adam Mayor, Elliott Nevitt and Sean Raggett return to their parent clubs with our thanks and best wishes.
Academy scholars Dempsey Crace, Blade Earley, Jahkyah Ebanks-Blake, Ryan Gray, Lennon King, Jahrel McKoy, Samuel Okolie and Zak Sowden-Fletcher will also depart at the end of their contracts.
Director of Football Mark Bonner said, “After such a thrilling conclusion to the season, it was inevitable that attention would have to quickly turn to next season with player contracts coming to an end.
“Several players will depart at the end of their contracts having made significant contributions throughout their varying tenures at the Football Club, most notably this season’s achievements.
“As we shape the squad for the challenges ahead, we say goodbye to a group of people who have represented our Football Club superbly.
“In particular, I want to thank Michael Morrison and James Brophy for their considerable contributions, having represented us over 500 times between them.
“James has been an almost ever present in the team over the past five seasons, and Michael’s story in the club from Academy player to Club Captain and lifting the trophy last week was a fitting and well-deserved end. He’s been a true servant and proud story in our history.
“We wish these promotion winners every success in the future and thank them for their professionalism, contribution, and effort throughout.
“They are all welcome at the Cledara Abbey Stadium anytime.”
Find confirmation of the full retained list below.
Players leaving at end of their contract:
- Michael Morrison
- James Brophy
- Elias Kachunga
- Korey Smith
- Shayne Lavery
- Shane McLoughlin
- Ben Purrington
- Harry Dawson
Loan players returning to parent club:
- Kylian Kouassi
- Adam Mayor
- Elliott Nevitt
- Sean Raggett
Contract Offered:
Ongoing discussions due to current loan:
Contract option year triggered:
- Jake Eastwood
- JJ Briggs
- George Munday
Under contract for 2026/27:
- Louis Appere
- Dominic Ball
- Liam Bennett
- Zak Bradshaw
- George Hoddle
- Ben Hughes
- Mamadou Jobe
- Kell Watts
- Sullay Kaikai
- Ben Knight
- Ryan Loft
- Glenn McConnell
- Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu
- Zeno Ibsen Rossi
Scholars departing at end of contract:
- Dempsey Crace
- Blade Earley
- Jahkyah Ebanks-Blake
- Ryan Gray
- Lennon King
- Jahrel McKoy
- Samuel Okolie
- Zak Sowden-Fletcher
