When West Ham United played their opening game against Arsenal in 2015, few expected them to shock the Gunners and even fewer would have predicted the then 16-year old teenager Reece Oxford to put in a flawless display to stop superstar players from doing what they do best. In fact, he had a passing accuracy of 95% in the game as West Ham outplayed Arsenal with the teenager putting in a performance of a seasoned veteran.
Reece Oxford’s debut was one to remember and he still is one for the future considering he turned 18 a month ago. However, the influx of players at West Ham has somewhat stalled his progress and a loan move could suit him well in his rapid development. Though my colleague thinks otherwise, having failed to make it into the West Ham side despite an injury crisis at the back, one can’t possibly see him making even bit-part appearances from now until the end of the season.
Mark Warburton’s Rangers have done pretty well this season. The Gers made their comeback to the Scottish league after an absence of four years and second is arguably the best they can target considering the resources they have when compared to their arch-rivals Celtic. The Hoops have consolidated under Brendan Rodgers and are runaway leaders in the league, which means Warburton’s side will have to wait and play the patient game in terms of building a squad that can challenge their Glasgow rivals.
Warburton did a remarkable job last season in terms of signing players on loan and Oxford is the next player on his wish list. In fact, a deal is likely to materialise and Oxford will join the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Jon Toral who have bright futures ahead.
Oxford has developed into a good centre-back and can play as a defensive midfield as well which will bring a lot of value to the Rangers’ squad. Not so long ago, Warburton made good use of Dominic Ball who showed good versatility to fill in at the heart of the defence or the midfield. Oxford could do a similarly good job.
Rangers don’t have an awful lot of money to spend, so Warburton once again has to resort to loan signings. After adding a lot of old legs to the squad in the summer transfer window, the team needs some young blood to help them cross the line and finish ahead of the likes of Aberdeen and Hearts in second place.
It’s a short-term deal that’ll involve Oxford playing till the end of the season, but the move could be beneficial for all the parties involved.
