Cambridge United completed a series of roster moves on July 1, 2026, by re-signing forward Shayne Lavery and midfielder Shane McLoughlin on 12-month contracts just 24 hours after their official release.
The club also secured forward Gassan Ahadme on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic.
The moves follow Cambridge's promotion to League One after finishing third in League Two last season.
Striker James Brophy departed upon contract expiration to join Gillingham after registering eight assists last season.
Players Express Excitement About Returns
Northern Ireland international Lavery, who has 20 caps, returns on a one-year deal despite missing the end of last season with a hamstring issue that limited him to 15 appearances and seven goals overall.
"It [a return] was always a possibility - there was just a bit of waiting time, but I am buzzing to still be here and can't wait to get going," said Lavery.
The 27-year-old formerly played for Linfield, where he scored 47 goals in 77 appearances, before moving to Blackpool in 2024 and subsequently joining Cambridge.
"The gaffer and the staff found a good way of managing my minutes and I am looking forward to staying fit, scoring goals and helping the team," added Lavery.
McLoughlin, 29, originally joined the U's from Newport County in July 2025 and agreed to terms to extend his stay after his previous contract expired on June 30.
"It was something that was left open at the end of last season as something we could revisit, and thankfully it's gone that way," said McLoughlin.
The midfielder expressed comfort with the existing environment at the Abbey Stadium as the squad prepares for the upcoming third-tier campaign.
"I loved last year - it is proper close between the staff and the players and I wanted to stay and be a part of it," said McLoughlin.
Ahadme, 25, previously scored 11 goals in 29 League One games during a loan spell with Cambridge in the 2023-24 season before spending last term at Stevenage, where a hip injury limited him to four goals in 17 appearances.
"I have good memories of the season I had here, but I am trying to hit new levels and I am expecting a lot of myself," said Ahadme.
"I want to hit the ground running and show what I am capable of. I am looking forward to what's to come," he added.
Head Coach Emphasizes Fitness Management
Head coach Neil Harris indicated that managing player fitness will remain a central priority for the technical staff to maximize performance in the higher division.
"I am very, very pleased that Shayne has extended his stay at the football club for another season," said Harris.
Harris emphasized that the forward's goalscoring attributes provide a specific tactical advantage inside the penalty area.
"Both he and the medical staff are always learning more about his body, and our focus remains on keeping him as fit and as fresh as possible for extended periods, just as we managed to do during the second half of last season," said Harris.
"Shayne possesses that rare ability to change the course of a match in a single moment inside the penalty area.
That clinical edge is going to be absolutely vital for us as we look to pick up valuable points in League One this season," he added.
Cambridge United will open their 2026/27 League One campaign at home against Wigan Athletic before traveling to play Bromley in their second match.
