Why It Makes Sense For Burke To Leave West Ham for Wigan On Loan

West Ham have made a point of building their squad quality over the summer to be able to compete in multiple competitions, but with the disappointing loss in the Europa League the need for such a large squad has diminished.

West Ham’s Point Of View

The club have five fit centre backs with Burke included, which is a lot for just domestic competitions. With the club looking to sign another right back h’s not needed for cover there either. His game time is limited.

Unhappy players in the squad aren’t great and Bilic has stated that a happy club is what he is after. Is Burke really going to be happy sharing gametime with other young players? Or even worse filling in out of position? Better to let him be happy somewhere else for a season.

The club have recently signed Burke on a long contract, so are not worried about losing him permanently. Therefore giving someone like Oxford, who the club are desperate to sign on a new big contract, the playing time they want if of more benefit from that point as well.

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Reece Burke’s POV

Imagine spending all year playing games, improving massively as a player and winning club awards. Then imagine sitting on the bench. Watching everyone else play, then filling out of position. Not exactly what you’re after.

You do not want your career stagnating after such a sharp upwards trajectory. So when a loan move for better football than you were playing last year, with regular game time guaranteed and the idea in your head that you’d be coming back next year with a first team shot, why wouldn’t you take it?

West Ham get a chance to rotate slightly less and give more game-time to  players we want to keep long term. Reece Burke gets a chance to continue his progression and regular matches in a tougher league. Wigan get a talented young defender willing to lay it on the line to improve. Win-Win-Win.

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