Declan Rice comments could mean blockbuster West Ham United exit is edging closer
Declan Rice’s West Ham future has been a talking point amongst fans and the media for a number of seasons, with the 23-year-old yet to agree a new deal at the London Stadium.
The England international is contracted to the club until the summer of 2024, with West Ham holding the option for an extra year on his deal. It’s now getting to crunch time for the Hammers, with the board needing to make a decision when it comes to his future.
Rice is still worth a considerable amount to West Ham and could be sold for a large fee, however, he’s clearly an indispensable part of this team, and without him, Moyes’ men could really struggle. 90min suggest (4 October) Rice is still a top priority for Chelsea, with the 23-year-old having strong links to the West London club.
The midfielder’s latest comments will not come as good news to West Ham fans, with Rice admitting he’s only got “one career” after seeing his England teammates playing in the Champions League and winning the biggest trophies.
“I think for the last two to three years I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing,” said Rice [Football Daily, 1 December].
“I see my friends here playing in the Champions League and winning the biggest trophies, you only get one career and at the end of it, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.
“I am really ambitious and I really want to do that.”
The West Ham captain is trying to be subtle, but it’s not obvious that a move in the summer is looking likely. Rice has been superb for the Hammers since bursting onto the scene, but sadly a player of his quality has to be playing Champions League football and right now that’s not going to happen at the London Stadium.
This could well be the summer when the board finally buckle if a substantial bid does arrive for the midfielder.