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Youngster could be poised for exit

Armstrong Okoflex could leave West Ham on loan this summer.

The Athletic reports that the striker could leave in search of first-team football as the summer window continues.

The 20-year-old attracted interest from a variety of clubs in January but the Hammers opted to keep him, feeling that he should continue developing in the Under-23s.

Okoflex played 23 times for the youth team and scored 12 goals last season, while also laying on two assists.

He has continually been on the bench for the first-team but has yet to make his debut and the new report claims he could go on a short-term deal this summer, likely for the whole of the 2022/23 season.

He has travelled with the squad to their pre-season training camp in Scotland, however, and he may be given a chance to play in the upcoming friendlies; impressive performances may give David Moyes a headache over his future.

Given his lack of minutes, however, we can firmly believe that a loan is the plan.

High rater

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.

4 comments on “Youngster could be poised for exit

  1. Yes here we go. Moyes chasing a 20 year old midfielder from Lille, plus Broja, but our own 20 year olds get no team time or development and must go out on loan. Usually to not return – is Coventry coming back? It’s no point asking if Okoflex is good enough, he has been given no opportunities, not even a few minutes. Doubt if any player untried could be good enough – Moyes is bidding for others because their club has developed them. So frustrating.

  2. If this is true following on so soon after Perkins departure it emphasises the need for us to get any likely Under 23 players out on loan playing proper, regular, football instead of sitting on the bench or swanning around in that ridiculously low standard Under 23 league.

    Look at the number of young players Chelsea have had out on loan at a decent level, including the Premier League, over the years. No coincidence their current first team squad contains at least 5 of their academy graduates. Our academy hasn’t produced that many first team players for West Ham in the past fifteen years has it ?

    Lack of meaningful football isn’t the only reason of course but Okoflex had made an appearance for Celtic’s first team before joining us so I imagine playing in front of a couple of blokes in flat caps at Rush Green must be very frustrating.

  3. Totally agree how are our 20 yrs old players deemed no good enough, but others are. Academy seem a waste of time or needs a big shake up FFS

  4. Good for Okoflex to go out on loan. Thought he was a left sided midfielder though, not a striker. Sure Moyes will be taking a good look at him in the preseason.

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