Report reveals reason behind recent West Ham sale
The month so far has been an interesting one for West Ham United from a transfer perspective, for several different reasons.
One of the biggest ones has been the exodus of young players. Nathan Holland and Conor Coventry have already departed on loan, and now we’ve seen a permanent sale as well.
The Hammers confirmed on Tuesday that young playmaker Joe Powell has signed for League One outfit Burton Albion.
And now, a report has shed more light on the main reason behind the 21-year-old’s Pirelli Stadium switch.
Football Insider claimed on Wednesday that the Hammers decided to offload the youngster for a fee this month rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
The academy product’s contract was up in the summer, and the east London outfit decided to cash in for a nominal fee thought to be around £100,000.
Powell’s failure to break into the senior squad saw him available for transfer, and he chose the Brewers over switches to Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers.
Was this the right decision from the Hammers?
In a word, yes.
It’s clear that Powell wasn’t going to graduate to first team level at the London Stadium, not with all the talented playmakers at the club.
He’d been a terrific servant at Under-23s level for the Irons, but it was time for him to move on to somewhere he’d get regular senior football.
This move allows him that opportunity under a good manager in Nigel Clough, so good luck to him.
In other West Ham news, the club’s supporters have been reacting to their latest confirmed signing.