English teenage defender Reece Oxford has reportedly fallen down the pecking order at his parent club West Ham. Slavic Bilic made it public that their loanee should not start believing that he is at the same level as French teenage sensation Kyllian Mbappe. This was after both Oxford and Mbappe were nominated for the coveted Golden Boy award. Let us take a look at 3 Premier League clubs who should attempt to sign him if West Ham are serious about selling him:
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are off to a dreadful start in the League having conceded 17 goals in their 7 games. They did manage to strengthen their defence bringing in Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool for a hefty fee. Palace’s two main defenders before the arrival of Sakho were Danny Ward and Damien Delany both aged 30 and 36 respectively.
Reece Oxford could be a great back up for Crystal Palace given that they are wearing out in that position. He could add to the size of the defence in terms of height with Crystal Palace’s defenders boasting an average height of 1.86 metres (6ft 1inch). Being ever reliant on their aerial presence for their goals, the teenager could offer more of it to Palace.
Swansea City
Swansea has made leaps forward in the way they have been playing under Paul Clement. He could turn out to be a great replacement for the departed Ashley Williams. What he lacks in strength is to an extent compensated in his speed and agility. Oxford along with Alfie Mawson could provide the right mix of speed and strength in that back four.
Not only is he good in the air, he is also very calm on the ball with the ability to pick a pass. Given that the teenager is just 18, he could show great growth under Paul Clement. It also comes as an added advantage that Paul Clement was the England U-21 manager and could be aware of Oxford’s potential.
Liverpool
This could come as a shock to many. But the one reason that Liverpool could go for the youngster is for their youth system. Liverpool’s academy teams (U-18 & U-21) are seemingly doing well in their respective competitions. The coaches and staff at the academy work heavily with the boys. Not only does this move provide huge scope for Reece Oxford himself, it could also result in the upbringing of a future Anfield star. Jurgen Klopp is a man ever enthusiastic of the prospect of giving the youngsters an opportunity and the chance to develop. It could turn out to be good move at the end for both parties, the player as well as the club.
