Pundit demands major West Ham United signings to convince Declan Rice to stay put
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…
West Ham must make major signings this summer to convince Declan Rice that he’s in the right place for his career, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers have so far added three permanent signings to their squad after completing deals for Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes already.
While outgoings seem to be on the agenda now with Issa Diop the subject of bids from Premier League rivals Fulham, McAvennie believes that the club must focus on bringing in quality that could convince captain Rice to stay put for another year or two.
“We’ve got defenders there haven’t we, we’ve got enough,” he told West Ham Zone.
“I think if Diop goes during the close season or start of the season, David will know if we need anyone else. I think he’s, no matter what the fans are saying, the fans are saying they’ve been promised the Earth money wise. That’s not going to happen. David will have to spend his money wisely, because I don’t think he’ll get too much.
“He doesn’t want to go and pay overinflated prices for players, that’s not going to work because they’ll come in the dressing room and upset the dressing room, so David’s not going to do that.
“But, I think the biggest problem for me or for Moyes is that he’s got to buy players that Declan Rice thinks is going to improve the team. Because he’s the stalwart. He’s the one that makes West Ham tick.
“West Ham will live if Rice leaves, but I’d like to see him stay for another year or two because he’s only a young boy.
“He loves West Ham. Wherever he goes he’s going to get huge amounts of money for the next club, but I think if West Ham buy players that he sees are going to improve the team then I think he may hang about for another year. Or two, which would be even better.
“If they don’t get in players that’s a wow, with the wow factor. If they’re just bringing in squad players, I don’t think the big players at West Ham will be happy.”