The 2019 summer transfer window only officially opened this morning, but the mass exodus of West Ham’s fringe stars and flops alike is set to begin immediately, starting with Reece Oxford.
Football Insider have reported that the versatile defender has agreed personal terms with Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, following his half-season loan spell under manager Martin Schmidt.
It is not noted how much the 20-year-old will earn in Germany, but a move would take £20,000-a-week off our books, as Oxford penned a new deal with the Irons upon his 18th birthday.
A transfer for the academy graduate would also add a further £3million to our summer budget, as despite initial claims of an £8million deal being in the offing, Augsburg were adamant they would only sign Oxford permanently if the price was suitable for a club currently 14th in the Germain top-tier, with one game to play.
The Bavarian side’s manager, Schmidt, recently told Kicker as much, too, as he confirmed the club’s plans for Oxford.
“He certainly has the potential to become a big player,” he said. “He certainly has qualities, but he must not cost anything more than we can afford. It has to be in the budget.”
Oxford has not been a regular during his temporary deal – making just seven top-flight appearances so far – but has seemingly done enough to convince the club to make his move permanent and end his time as an outcast of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans.
The centre-back was also issued his marching orders during Augsburg’s 5-1 thrashing away to SC Freiburg, in what was his fourth consecutive start in all competitions, which led to a three-game ban – Oxford has only started once since.
