Done deal: 18-year-old defender signs long-term West Ham contract
By Emma Sanders
Reece Oxford has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with West Ham.
The club announced the news on their official Twitter account on Oxford’s 18th birthday on Friday.
Oxford is one of the most exciting young defenders at the club and it came as no surprise he has pledged his long-term future with the club given the bright future he is expected to have.
The 18-year-old was in demand though and the Hammers have had to fight off interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.
“I am happy to have signed my new contract. There was a lot of speculation about my future but I am happy that it has been done and I can get back to football,” Oxford told the club’s official website.
“I have made my family proud and hopefully I have made the fans proud that I have signed a new contract. Hopefully I can get into the team and help them throughout the whole season.
“I have seen some of the old footballers like Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole and I want to follow in their footsteps.”
Oxford became the second youngest player ever to make his Premier League appearance at the age of 16 when he came on during the 2-0 victory against Arsenal.
He is a versatile defender, who is also capable of playing in midfield and is known for his aerial strength and his ability to use the ball well.
The academy star has been out of action for six weeks with an ankle injury but he is expected to challenge for a place in the first team this season.
Oxford also told the club website that Mark Noble is the type of player he aspires to be and he wants to become captain of West Ham in the future.
In other West Ham news, Darren Randolph has made a hint about what is needed to secure safety.