Declan Rice sends message as West Ham United transfer announcement made on Friday
Declan Rice has sent a message to Kalvin Phillips after he completed his move from Manchester City to West Ham on Friday (26 January).
The Hammers confirmed the signing (26 January) of the Manchester City midfielder on a temporary loan deal until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old leaves the Etihad due to his limited minutes under Pep Guardiola this season and there is no option for West Ham to sign him permanently in the summer.
The Irons will pay a loan fee and cover Phillips’ full salary for the duration of his time at the London Stadium.
Taking to his Instagram account on Friday (26 January), Phillips sent a message to the Irons fans after his confirmed transfer.
He wrote: “Delighted to sign for West Ham for the remainder of the season. Can’t wait to get started!”
Former Hammer and England teammate Declan Rice responded, congratulating Phillips on his move to East London:
“Smash it, brother! Buzzing for you.”
Great for England
This deal is a major coup for West Ham United given Phillips’ quality and experience both at club and international level, and a transfer that certainly makes a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
A loan deal for the Englishman makes perfect sense for all parties involved given his limited minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
When he moved to the Premier League champions, it was always going to be hard to establish himself there with the world’s best defensive midfielder Rodri dominating the same position Phillips enjoys.
There’s a case to argue that Phillips should have joined someone like West Ham when he left Leeds United back in 2022. David Moyes was a strong admirer then and that admiration has remained hence this new move.
Phillips can now get his career back on track in East London and once and for all prove, that he is on par with the likes of Rice as one of the best of their position in the Premier League. When in full flow, Phillips can reach those heights.
Let’s hope the Englishman fulfils all he wishes to this season and this move is not only great for West Ham but brilliant for England ahead of the Euro 2024 in June. Southgate will finally have a player playing every week to choose from in Phillips.
The pull the Hammers have shown to persuade Phillips to join is mightily impressive when there were clubs like Juventus in the frame to sign him. Statement acquisition again from David Moyes and Tim Steidten.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports pundit wowed by ‘cheap’ permanent agreement after what Dharmesh Sheth said.
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