West Ham’s season has taken a bit of a downturn over the last couple of weeks, with the optimism that engulfed Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure slowly dissipating.
That’s not really been improved on transfer deadline day, with the Hammers not as involved in proceedings as most would have likely hoped.
However, they have been busy, it seems, with the club confirming a significant exit. As per the official West Ham website, Reece Oxford has swapped West Ham for FC Augsburg, with the Englishman moving to the club on a six-month loan deal.
It’s been a tough couple of years for Oxford, and his fantastic debut back in 2015 seems like a long time ago now. He’s clearly got a lot of talent, but something has stopped him making it at the London Stadium.
However, despite the fact that most would agree that he’s not quite ready to be a West Ham regular, many fans have questioned the decision to loan him out.
Indeed, it appears as though fans are concerned about the current state of the West Ham defence, given our lack of depth and our current injury list. Most, it seems, would have preferred Oxford to remain at the club for the time being…
You do realise we have 10 injuries lads?
— Samzini (@Samcam06) January 31, 2019
This is mental, only recognised fit can we have are diop and Og
— Dan Good (@DaniGood) January 31, 2019
Loans out center back when that is the position that needs the most reinforcing
— Rob2018 (@Westham2018) January 31, 2019
Even if Balbuena gets fit still only leaves 3, how many other prem clubs have 3 senior centre backs??? Oh yeah, us
— Dan Good (@DaniGood) January 31, 2019
Clearly something wrong here he was so good at one point and had so much promise. Has to be worth giving some game time at West ham for rest of season not as if we have a wealth of fit centre backs. If diop gets injured fabianski will need bigger gloves
— Staffordshire Martyn (@martynr61) January 31, 2019
Short in defence and we lot him go on loan ….
— david wilkinson (@wilko447) January 31, 2019
It’s a good job that we have plenty of centre half’s. Oh wait
— John (@0703jab) January 31, 2019
Bonkers
— Stephen George Lott (@stephenlott) January 31, 2019
Really wouldn’t have loaned him out we need cover at CB.
— Gavin (@uptonspark17) January 31, 2019
Thoughts?