Marcus Browne heads off on loan to Oxford, will others follow?
West Ham have a long history with developing young talent, and are looking to restart it. Does Browne going out on loan help him develop, or signal he has not made it?
Yesterday Marcus Browne joined Oxford United on a season long loan. After captaining West Ham’s PL2 side a number of times last season many were hoping that he would be able to take another step towards reaching his potential. So is this a positive step for the young midfielder?
Some may think that if the youngster was able to progress at the club, he would do. That if he can’t displace current players there is nothing suggesting he will be able to going forward. But I think that a season pushing for first team football, being part of a squad that has its own goals and personality could be an important part of his development.
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Browne
When players go out on loan, they not only have to adjust to a new scene, they have to readjust mentally. At U21 level the aim is to push into the First Team. There is no real worry about the position of the team in the league, just that positive results will catch the eye of first team managers more. On loan, the week in week out push to improve the side and move up the table will be the drive. Highs after winning, lows after defeats. Loan moves change a player mentally.
Marcus Browne has shown that he has talent, scoring multiple goals and putting in many MOTM performances, especially when carrying the burden of the captaincy. If he can prove he has the mental strength to keep going through an entire football league season, he could be involved at West Ham next season.
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As for other players that could go on loan, I think they will be sorted once the transfer window is finished. Pellegrini will not want to be left short, but if good loan offers come in that will benefit the players on the cusp of making it, I imagine they will leave. Players like Martinez, Holland or Haksabanovic could well be loaned out to Championship or League 1 clubs before the end of August.