For West Ham fans this month, the story has been mostly of players going out. Nathan Holland has been loaned to Oxford United and there has been talk of re-calling Grady Diangana from his loan spell. Now, though, Joe Powell becomes the latest youngster in the headlines, as he’s left the club permanently.
Joe Powell has completed a permanent transfer to League One side Burton Albion.
All the best, @JoePowell_10!
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 14, 2020
The young midfielder has been allowed to leave the club to sign for League One Burton Albion, and a lot of the fans are struggling to see the decision making behind the move. They’d understand if he left for Burton on a loan deal to get senior minutes, but to go permanently makes little sense.
Powell has been limited to appearances for West Ham’s U23s this season in the Premier League 2, but in his 13 games he’s managed four goals and three assists from midfield (Transfermarkt), and even if the Irons don’t see a future for Powell in their senior side, developing him with a loan before trying to sell him for more cash seems the smarter move.
Will this transfer window be a big one?
Yes
No
You can read the Hammers’ thoughts on Powell here:
I feel like this is going to bite us in the arse in the future, good luck Joe!
— Billy Bamber (@billy_bamber_95) January 14, 2020
Good luck Joe you are better off away from this toxic club, head down, work hard and show this mess of a club their mistake
— Poplar E14 Fixer (@E14Fixer) January 14, 2020
Good luck! Not sure why we’ve sold him?
— Dan (@WesthamDan16) January 14, 2020
Oh no all my favourite lads going from the exciting group I was sure would come through to the first team this season I am really gutted but for you Joe I want to say I genuinely wish you the very best for the future they will regret this decision you are going to smash it
— Mary (@ZaynafamilyMary) January 14, 2020
If the club made a few Ruples but fail to get promoted from the U23’s stiff league 2 it makes no sense…
Surely we are not that desperate that £200k was needed..
Does Worry me what’s going on…..
— (@PW57WHU) January 14, 2020
Sad to see Joey go but wish you all the best and a comeback to the Premier League in the future!
— Barry Ng (@BarryNg) January 14, 2020
The Hammers cannot understand the decision to sell Powell, and it’s hard to blame them.