Fabrizio Romano dangles Manchester clubs with £100m update on West Ham United-Declan Rice saga
West Ham United could demand a fee in the region of £90-100million for Declan Rice, as all parties expect him to leave the club in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing for Caught Offside, the Guardian journalist has reported that the Hammers demanded a fee of around £150m a year ago, and it’s too early to predict the final price tag at this moment.
David Moyes has made it clear that Rice will leave on a British transfer record [BBC Sport], and the England international has no shortage of admirers. Chelsea and Arsenal are keen, and it remains to be seen if both Manchester United and Manchester City would be willing to join the race.
“West Ham always asked for big money for Declan Rice, it was £150m one year ago today,” wrote Romano.
“I think the price could now be around £90-100m, but it depends on many factors and it’s really too early to predict the final price tag. Chelsea are one of the suitors, but Arsenal are there too, and let’s see if Man Utd and City join the race.
“All parties expect Declan Rice to leave in the summer after he refused to sign new contract with West Ham 14 months ago.”
Inevitable
At some point next season, Rice will leave the club. It is inevitable, but he will leave the club with the blessings of the fans.
Rice has played with pride and passion for this club and has been a symbol of consistency. He has been superb in the last two years for both club and country, and no one can doubt his effort and commitment.
He has never agitated for a move, but at the same time has made it clear that he wants to play in the Champions League. The 24-year-old is not driven by money, but he wants to test himself at top clubs.
West Ham have improved under Moyes but the present campaign has been a disappointment. Had the Hammers were in the race for a top-four finish, they would have had some ground to convince Rice to stay put. But now, they have lost that opportunity.
Rice will give his everything for the club to take them to Premier League safety. After that, he will probably bid an emotional goodbye.