Does Henry’s arrival signal Winston Reid's exit?

Article by Brandon Freeman

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Last week marked West Ham’s first foray into the January transfer window with the acquisition of 21-year-old Canadian International Doneil Henry. The 6ft 2in centre-back arrives at Upton Park for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract with the option of a further two-years. Capped 14 times by Canada, Henry was held in high regard by Toronto FC, a side for which he made 92 appearances for over a four-year period. Henry was recommended to West Ham manager Sam Allardyce by Toronto FC’s Ryan Nelsen, who played under Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.

Doneil Henry’s arrival at Upton Park may well signal the departure of New Zealand international Winston Reid who has yet to agree a new deal with West Ham despite the centre-back’s contract expiring this summer. Reid has been strongly linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal, so could the signing of Doneil Henry be a sign that Winston Reid’s days in claret and blue are numbered?

Personally, I sincerely hope not. Reid has been a standout performer for West Ham this season and has formed a formidable partnership with James Tomkins at centre-back. Despite some shaky performances at the start of the season, Reid has distanced himself from the mounting speculation that he may leave the club and has played a crucial role in propelling West Ham into 7th place in the Premier League table. However, with Reid still yet to agree fresh terms with West Ham, despite Co-chairman David Gold confirming that he had been made an “outstanding” offer, it appears as though Reid may be stalling in the hope of receiving a more lucrative offer either from West Ham or elsewhere. Having seen very little of Doneil Henry, it may be difficult to assess whether he would be able to fill the significant void Winston Reid would leave if he was lured away from West Ham, nonetheless at the age of 21, Henry is certainly a talent for the future and under the tutelage of the club’s coaching staff may well prove to be a long-term replacement for Winston Reid.

Speaking to West Ham’s official website following the move, Henry made it clear he that he has joined West Ham to compete for a first-team place, saying: "Personally, I want to make my mark as quickly as possible. The only way to develop is by playing games and putting yourself under pressure. It's all good for players to get opportunities so the sooner I can get into the mix the better. I know I have to earn the respect of the players here and that's fine.” So with Doneil Henry eager to make an impression at West Ham and make a first-team impact it may well be the case that West Ham would, albeit reluctantly, be willing to consider allowing Reid to leave the club providing the deal is right for both parties.

What do you make of Doneil Henry’s arrival at West Ham, does it signal Winston Reid’s departure of are the club simply looking to the future with the signing of a very promising player? Leave your comments below and follow our Twitter page @e_westham for the latest news and views, all things West Ham.

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