Why West Ham sending Winston Reid on loan is a good move
According to Football.London, West Ham boss David Moyes has revealed that Winston Reid will be joining a team in the USA on loan for the rest of the season.
Reid, 31, came through SUB Sonderborg and Midtjylland’s youth systems and moved to England with West Ham United in the summer of 2010. Currently, in his 9th season in London, he has made 223 appearances.
He has been a consistent member of the squad over the years for West Ham. He was also instrumental in the club’s promotion to the top flight back in the end of 2011/12 season, where he scored and assisted thrice each in 28 Championship games.
However, the centre-back hasn’t played a competitive first-team game for the Hammers in nearly two years since Moyes was last in charge – when he got knocked out and suffered a knee ligament injury in a 4-1 defeat at Swansea City.
He then returned to pre-season ahead of the 2018/19 campaign under Manuel Pellegrini but suffered another ligament injury in a training camp and was ruled out. He has been unlucky with fitness issues and hasn’t contributed much over the past couple of years.
The Kiwi defender featured in several friendly games but hasn’t played in the Premier League this term, despite being in the squad for three games. He’s just had two U23 displays under his belt so far. Hence, the decision to loan him is wise.
The Scotsman’s side are at risk of falling deeper into the relegation zone, as they face a tough battle to secure their Premier League status. The Hammers haven’t won a single game since beating Bournemouth and Gillingham earlier this month.
With Reid’s potential departure, they would need to find a replacement as they have games against big teams including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United later. To bring changes in their fortunes, the club must sign established players.
Verdict
A loan move for the 31-year-old is a good step as it would benefit both the player and the club. That said, the Hammers would be wise to use the opportunity to bring in a back-up at the earliest.
