Robbie Savage thinks time is right for Declan Rice to leave West Ham this summer
Robbie Savage believes the timing is right for Declan Rice to leave West Ham United this summer, describing the potential transfer fee as ‘quite incredible’.
Rice has been linked with a £100m move to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United this summer [Telegraph], although manager David Moyes has claimed he is worth at least £150m [Athletic].
But after his goal helped the Hammers reach the Europa League semi-final, Savage admitted to William Hill that the timing is ‘probably right’ for the 23-year-old to leave the club this summer.
“I think the timing at the end of the season is probably right for Declan Rice to leave West Ham,” he said.
“What a player he is. The money talked about is £150m, that would make him the third most expensive player in world football after Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. That is quite incredible for a number six, a holding midfield player.
“Yes he can do box-to-box and he’s an inspiration to West Ham, he’s captain material. Manchester United have been linked, for me if I was Manchester United I’d go all out for Declan Rice.”
Wrong
Sorry Mr. Savage, but you couldn’t be more wrong on this one. With the Hammers making it to a European semi-final, it’s exactly why he should stay put for another season at least.
If the club weren’t showing any signs of progression, then it would be perfectly reasonable for Rice to be looking to move on in the summer for his personal goals.
But since last season, Moyes’ men have gone from a team that was just a flash in the pan to a constant threat to the top four positions in the league and they could yet still make it to the Champions League themselves.
It would take a monumental offer to tempt West Ham to let him leave considering he has three years left on his contract, but the Hammers can themselves show they mean business in the summer with their own signings.
There’s no reason why Moyes can’t add to his squad to be able to compete with the elite sides even closer next season and eventually break their stranglehold, and they’ll be far better at doing so with Rice in their team.
In other West Ham news, Hammers want to sign 47-cap international defender this summer, watched him closely – report
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