‘Money’s not an option’ – McAvennie adamant Rice will stay at West Ham
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is adamant Declan Rice won’t be in a rush to leave West Ham with the midfielder impressing each week in East London.
Rice, 22, has played every minute of every Premier League match for the Hammers this season, earning huge plaudits from fans, David Moyes and Gareth Southgate for his performances.
Earlier this month, Moyes was quoted by Sky Sports as saying Rice is worth “far, far more than £100million” with the midfielder constantly finding himself linked with moves away from the London Stadium.
Chelsea are one of the teams who’ve regularly been linked with the England midfielder but in a recent interview with West Ham Zone, The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas said “there’s no interest from Chelsea anymore” after Frank Lampard left Stamford Bridge.
McAvennie sees Rice staying put at West Ham for the foreseeable future due to how tough he might find competition for places elsewhere and because he’s simply enjoying his football at the high-flying Premier League club.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I think he’ll stay now because he seems to be enjoying himself. Money’s not an option now.
“If he’s happy in life and happy at the club, why leave and fight with all these world-class players for your place?
“He’s guaranteed a game every week at West Ham.”
Rivals fans are bound to have scoffed at Moyes’ £100million claim about Rice.
Simply take a look at the replies to BBC Sport’s tweet which shares Moyes’ quote on March 8.
That’s because some supporters do not understand how the market value of players works. It’s not dictated by buying clubs, it’s dictated by selling clubs.
If West Ham want £100million for Rice, it’s because they believe he’s worth that much and will value him in the same way.
It’s then up for a buying club to decide whether Rice is worth that much from their point of view.
Will someone offer £100million or more for Rice this summer or next? Honestly, they could. There are clubs out there with vast sums of cash to throw at players like the West Ham midfielder.
But will they do it and will Rice want to go?
We’re praying that McAvennie is right and with a possible campaign in Europe on the horizon, there’s every chance the England midfielder will want to stay for at least another year.
In other West Ham news, talkSPORT presenter Craig Mitch claims the Irons don’t have the minerals to finish in the top-four.