Oxford United star has £650k release clause - Portsmouth & Blackburn Rovers should swoop ASAP | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at why Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers should be interested in Oxford United defender Michal Helik

Oxford United will return to League One for the 2026-27 season, after their two-year stay in the Championship was cut short.

Following a mid-season manager change after Gary Rowett was releived of his duties at the Kassam Stadium, Matt Bloomfield could not arrest the slide in the end, meaning he will become a third tier boss once more.

Oxford fought valiantly until the end, and they had some talented players in their squad this past season, such as Cameron Brannagan, Jack Currie and Tottneham loanee Will Lankshear.

But one of their more experienced Championship operators Michal Helik could be on the move, with Polish outlet goal.pl revealing that the U's centre-back - who has made seven appearances for Poland - has a £650,000 release clause following their relegation.

The report added that the 30-year-old has attracted interest from both Polish top-flight and English Championship sides ahead of the summer transfer window.

Football League World has taken a look at TWO Championship clubs that should be eyeing up Helik this summer, given the low nature of his release clause...

Portsmouth

Portsmouth enjoyed positive results towards the end of the season, which ultimately saw them stay in the second tier, including wins over Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.

Boro landed a play-off spot, whereas the Tractor Boys sealed automatic promotion, while the Fratton Park club successfully maintained clean sheets in their triumphs over both sides.

However, throughout the season as a whole, Portsmouth had a leaky defence, conceding 64 goals in their 46 Championship games, five more than relegated Oxford.

Consequently, Pompey could bolster their chances of enjoying a better second-tier campaign next term by landing a move for Helik, who was a reliable asset for the U's despite their relegation.

Regan Poole has been solid at the back for Pompey since his arrival from Lincoln City in 2023, but there are question marks surrounding his potential partners.

Connor Ogilvie was utilised more as a left-back, Connor Shaughnessy has at times struggled with injuries, likewise has Aussie youngster Hayden Matthews, whilst Ibane Bowat was in and out of John Mousinho's side last season.

A back stress fracture ruled Josh Knight out for months, whilst Senegalese defender Madiodio Dia is still very much a project, meaning that if a couple of bodies could be shifted out, Helik could make sense as a new signing.

Transfer targets may be on hold for Portsmouth right now as they battle to keep their manager, as according to talkSPORT, Bristol City have held talks with Mousinho over bringing him to Ashton Gate.

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn are facing even more managerial uncertainty than Portsmouth, after Michael O'Neill opted against staying at Ewood Park, having steered the Lancashire club to Championship safety.

Rovers let in eight goals fewer than the Fratton Park side in the second tier this term, but their record of 56 goals conceded in 46 league games still left a lot to be desired.

The Lancashire outfit ended their campaign with a home defeat against relegated Leicester, epitomising the struggles they have endured in the Championship.

Meanwhile, despite Blackburn's overall defensive worries, centre-back Eiran Cashin proved to be a real asset for the Ewood Park club, having joined on loan from Premier League outfit Brighton in the winter transfer window.

However, Cashin's return to the Seagulls has given Rovers a serious gap to plug this summer, and signing Helik for a relatively low price could go some way towards doing that.

Blackburn have been reliant on young defenders such as George Pratt, Connor O'Riordan, and Tom Atcheson this season, and the Oxford man would bring much-needed experience to the table.