Report – West Ham starlet on brink of permanent exit, bid accepted
West Ham midfielder Joe Powell is in advanced talks to join Burton Albion on a permanent deal, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old starlet has struggled to break his way into the Hammers’ senior side, and has just one first team appearance to his name in east London – bagging a pair of assists in the 8-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Macclesfield Town last term.
It is understood that the Irons have accepted a bid from the League One side for Powell, who is now in the process of tying up personal details.
It is believed that a deal could be completed in the coming days, with Powell having made it very clear to the hierarchy in east London that he feels he needs to playing regular first team football to ignite his career.
The report also claims the fee will be nominal because the player is out of contract in the summer.
Are the Hammers right to let Powell go?
This is a tricky one, truth be told.
Mainly, it’s clear that Powell isn’t quite at the level that club want him to be at.
At the age of 21, to have just one senior appearance to his name does not bode well for his chances of ever becoming a regular for the Hammers.
Powell may have gone out on loan and done okay with Northampton Town last term, and he may have six goals and three assists in 16 appearances for the development side so far this season, but that’s very different from cutting it in the top flight, and there comes a point when you have to cut your losses and let a player move on.
The fact that Nathan Holland and Connor Coventry have both left on loan deals, and yet the Hammers are willing to let Powell leave on a permanent really speaks volumes as to where his career is at, and this could prove to be the kindest thing the club can do for a player who needs to get playing as soon as possible.
In other news, Senior figure claims to be ‘surprised’ by reported West Ham link.