Aston Villa would offer the perfect destination for West Ham United prodigy Reece Oxford next season rather than a bizarre move to Germany.
West Ham United’s Reece Oxford during training
According to The Sun, the supremely talented Oxford is set to be farmed out on a season-long loan to German side Borussia Monchengladbach to gain more first-team experience.
Oxford shot to prominence when he made his debut with a midfield masterclass in a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the opening game of the 2015/16 season aged just 16.
He has found game time hard to come by since with Slaven Bilic reluctant to use him and a loan spell at Reading failing to work out.
Reece Oxford played only five games on loan at Reading
Speculation was rife over the 6ft 5 teenager’s future for much of last season with reports in the likes of the Mirror that Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was one of a clutch of managers at Europe’s top clubs keen on securing his signature.
Talk was put to bed when the youngster signed a long term deal with the Hammers which was expected to see him fast tracked into an ageing West Ham defence.
But he is now being linked with a move to Germany to join flop midfielder Havard Nordtveit’s old club.
If Oxford, his advisors and Bilic have any sense, though, they would seek out a move to Villa Park for a season to accelerate his football education and return to East London an even better and matured player.
The move would be perfect for all parties, the player, West Ham and Villa and here’s why:
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Bruce a former centre back that has been there, done it and got the t-shirt
Steve Bruce is not only a very experienced and successful manager but he also formed the bedrock of one of Manchester United’s most successful defensive units.
Oxford cannot help but learn a vast amount under his tutelage of what is expected at the highest level.
Bruce could mould the player into a top class centre half for club and country.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic and Reece Oxford as he is substituted
Game time
While many supporters feel Oxford should be given more of a chance in the first team, given the number of experienced players West Ham have in defence, Oxford is unlikely to play as much as he would like with the Hammers next season.
He is undoubtedly the club’s brightest prospect and West Ham fans will hope he has a long and bright future with them.
But to do that he must get senior first team games under his belt and Aston Villa can offer him that, while his supreme talent will also help the the club in their quest to mount a serious bid to return to the Premier League.
Villa owner Dr Tony Xia wants to be back in the big time
Big club with big expectations
The great thing about Villa is the fact they are very similar to West Ham in that they have a loyal and passionate fanbase, who aren’t afraid to let their teams know when they’re not giving 100%.
With the pressure to be promoted, Villa would offer Oxford a steep learning curve which can only be of benefit to his long-term future.
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