From scoring at the Emirates on the first day of last season to ending up nowhere near the first team at the end of the season, it has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Reece Oxford of West Ham United. The 17-year-old was expected to become a permanent fixture in Slaven Bilic’s side but things have not gone his way and he has fallen out of favour at Upton Park, well West Ham will not be playing at that stadium anymore.
Oxford now seems to be second or even third choice in a West Ham team that is going great guns and will expect to get better next season but recent rumours have suggested that Newcastle United, amongst a plethora of clubs, is after the signing of the 17-year-old and the deal might actually be a great one for all parties involved.
The Magpies were relegated at the end of last season and will probably lose out on a number of first team players as they look to keep playing at the top level of English football. That could mean the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Sissoko and Cheick Tiote moving on to greener pastures and moving to the club on loan would not be the worst deal in the world.
Newcastle United, even when playing in the Championship, will have a huge fan following and playing in front of thousands at St James’ Park will certainly help improve the confidence of the youngster. Also, not playing in the Premier League for a season at least will ensure that there isn’t too much pressure on such young shoulders but of course, playing for Newcastle United does carry its own pressure.
Another reason, probably the most important one as to why he should move to Newcastle on loan is the fact that he would be playing regularly in a team that does have quality and under a manager like Rafa Benitez, he can get better.
Jonjo Shelvey is one such example of a player who developed well under Benitez and with the other English youngster by his side at Newcastle; his growth too would be extremely great. West Ham United might not have the chance of playing Oxford on a regular basis, that too if they do give him a chance it might be in the League Cup and that won’t help his development.
Oxford is an incredible talent but keeping him on the bench or even out of the starting XI on a consistent basis isn’t helping either side. Sending him out on loan to Newcastle would ensure he plays for a top club, regularly and when he does come back from the loan deal, he would be a better player and would be a realistic option for Slaven Bilic the season after next.
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