Danny Murphy sees former teammate Steven Gerrard in Declan Rice, says he ‘has to’ leave West Ham
Declan Rice “has to” leave West Ham because they cannot offer him the opportunities he needs, even if they finish in the top four, says Danny Murphy.
The ex-Liverpool player sees his former captain Steven Gerrard when he watches the Hammers skipper, citing how he rescued the team in the FA Cup tie against Kidderminster on Saturday, but feels the presence of Tomas Soucek restricts the England man.
The midfielder’s future has been the subject of plenty of speculation, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City believed to want him (Telegraph), and boss David Moyes said before yesterday’s game, via BBC: “I said in the summer I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was the sales. That was cheap. That was your chance to get Declan Rice cheap.”
But former Fulham midfielder Murphy writes in the Daily Mail: “I think he will definitely leave West Ham this summer. He has to.
“He is ready to play at the top level, regularly competing in the Champions League. He’s a permanent fixture in the England team, he’s so often West Ham’s best player.
“Even if West Ham make the top four this season, it would only be temporary. It would be an adventure.
“One year down the line, who knows if the same opportunities will be there. This summer, he will be sought after by all the big boys. I think it’s inevitable.”
Done deal?
Although it is not what anybody connected to the London Stadium wants to hear the sad truth is that Murphy is probably right.
The only real hope that the Irons have of keeping their star man is if he just feels too much of a strong connection to the fans and loyalty trumps ambition.
But considering he made the decision to switch from playing international football for the Republic of Ireland to England it suggests that there is a determination to him the belies his demeanour.
West Ham were so poor against National League North Kidderminster on Saturday, a team five divisions below them, that it took Rice’s injury-time equaliser to avoid one of the all-time FA Cup upsets.
For all the good work Moyes has done this season in developing a side that has been challenging for top four, the team almost lost its best chance to win a trophy this year in embarrassing fashion.
No Hammers fans will like to read about their side being written off like Murphy seems to, but the Guardian reported in the summer that Rice had turned down West Ham contract offers amid interest so it does seem his mind is made up.
In other West Ham news, Karren Brady was reportedly in talks with Leeds over a late deal for Kalvin Phillips.