When Reece Oxford joined Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer on a two year loan spell, it looked like a chance for the West Ham defender to both develop his game and gain valuable first team experience.
A few months into the campaign however, and the 18 year old has yet to play a single minute for the Bundesliga club, which has prompted speculation that he could be recalled by the Hammers.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was not particularly sympathetic however when he commented on Oxford’s situation last week:
“Someone recognised him to be nominated for the Golden Boy award. If he goes one way and thinks he is Mbappe then that’s wrong. He needs to use this in the right way. He has got it in him, get his place and start playing regularly. Hopefully he will get that in Germany and it’ll be great to play in the Bundesliga.”
The Croatian’s comments suggesting that the defender should keep his head down, led to stories that Oxford would be sold in January. It seems however that they have been taken in the right way by Oxford, who told Bild yesterday that he has no intention of leaving Gladbach even though he did confirm there was an option to return to the Hammers early.
Twitter reaction to the Oxford situation seem to be quite mixed. Some believing the defender is being treated badly by Bilic while others think the teenager must up his game.
It’s Slaven Bilic clearly, Oxford is an unbelievable talent and we’re wasting it. He needs another chance in our first team, Oxford>Rice
— Jack (@Jvckist) 18 October 2017
I’ll blame Bilic if players like Martinez and Cullen don’t make it but I really can’t blame him if we do sell Oxford in January
— Chaz ⚒ (@ChazWHU) 19 October 2017
Selling Reece Oxford ??? . You must be nuts.This kid has a big future cant you see that Bilic.?Perhaps you should go instead.
— Bob Stapleton (@stapleton885) 19 October 2017
Bilic said Oxford cant start thinking hes made it/on par with Mbappe after his golden boy nomination, media twisting things. He wont be sold
— MR ⚒ (@WHU_MR2013) 17 October 2017
Youngsters who played well until Bilic decided to pull them the moment they underperform to destroy them: Rice, Oxford, Cullen and Burke
— West Ham Mania (@westham_mo) 17 October 2017
January 2017 – Bilic gave Oxford a new long-term contract.
October 2017 – Bilic will consider selling Oxford in January.#WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/WfrYpoIMkq
— West Ham News/Views (@WHUFC_News_6) 19 October 2017
