£5 Million And £20K Per Week For Oxford They're Having A Giraffe!

The Oxford to leave West Ham story has been doing the rounds just ahead of the January transfer window opening, it is widely believed that Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini doesn't 'fancy' the 6'3" midfielder and has given his verdict on the once incredibly coveted youngster. The Oxford situation is a strange one, essentially the club, especially Slaven Billic, thought that Oxford was going to be the next Rio Ferdinand and therefore cosseted him and gave him a very substantial £20,000 per week contract in order to head off interest from a whole host of top clubs.

Things just haven't worked out for Oxford and nobody really knows the reason why, there are sugestions that he has become another Ravel Morrison, massively gifted but such a bunch of trouble off the pitch that the 'aggro' isn't worth it for any manager. even one so cool as Manuel Pellegrini. Some observers say that Oxford was treated badly by constantly being sent out on loan as opposed to featuring for the club itself and that he became increasingly frustrated at his lack of opportunities, whereas others mention that he just had too much too soon and that his presence had a disturbing effect on both the youth players and several of the senior players.

Whatever the circumstances it now appears that the situation has become a fait accomplie, and that Reece Oxford, or more likely his agent has engineered the players departure, these things happen and perhaps it is best for all parties that the promising youngster does leave the club. However here in lies the issue, the talk on various media platforms of a £5 Million fee is ridiculous, he will have been paid nearly that in wages by the time he goes! Anthing less than £15 million and a sell on fee would be a folley on the club's behalf, and in today's climate with the need for quality home grown talent that price is cheap.

Having sold numerous players too cheaply and without sell on fees Hammers have had their fingers burned severely in the past and only recently let Domingos Quina go to Watford for a song! Players move on, but the club should at least get every single penny they can for the services of a player who will go on to shine in the future, it is just that his future will not be at West Ham United. - Ed