Oxford chose Reading over Rangers

Young defender Reece Oxford signed his professional contract earlier this season, and while many expected him to get playing time right away in the Premier League, it seems that the club decided it was better for him to get first team football on a loan deal rather than have him come in off the bench for West Ham United the rest of the season. So on the transfer window deadline day, Oxford set off to join Reading FC on loan for the rest of the season.

It was widely reported that Oxford had plenty of opportunities in the Championship to choose from, with many clubs looking to secure the signing of the 18 year old on a loan deal. Scottish giants Rangers FC were also the subject of rumors, with Rangers reportedly even offering to take the young defender on an 18-month deal. However, the Reading Chronicle reports that Oxford said “At my last Under 23s game I heard Reading were interested. I knew I had to push for that deal with a top three club fighting for promotion”.

And while Oxford is too young to remember Jaap Stam’s time playing at Manchester United, he has studied Stam’s game in order to learn from one of the best. He said “Stam was a massive influence in me coming here.” While Oxford did make the bench in this weekend’s game, he did not see the pitch as Ipswich held Reading to a 2-2 draw Saturday at Ipswich, with fellow loanee Jordon Mutch scoring the first goal on his debut for the Royals.