Jamie Carragher: Declan Rice wouldn’t swap West Ham for Newcastle
Jamie Carragher has insisted that Declan Rice would hesitate before being tempted to leave West Ham United for Newcastle.
The Magpies have been linked with moves for Premier League stars such as the Irons skipper since their takeover by the Saudi-based consortium PiF Capital, worth over £300billion.
Carragher warned that Newcastle are still nowhere near success and silverware, and are still 18 months behind West Ham at this moment.
Writing in his Telegraph column this morning, Carragher namedropped Rice as a potential target for the Magpies.
“Even a much-wanted English player such as Declan Rice would hesitate before being tempted to leave West Ham for Newcastle at the end of this season,” he wrote.
“Why? Because no matter how much they spend in January, Newcastle are 18 months away from being where West Ham are today, competing in Europe and establishing themselves in the top six.
“Rice will soon be looking up for the next step in his career and will have a choice of top four clubs. It will take a while for Newcastle to reach that level.”
No chance.
The only way that West Ham would accept an offer from a side below them for Rice is if it is simply too stupid to turn down.
Having said that, it would surely have to be at least £150million more, with no reason to strengthen those behind them – money or not.
The interest of the top four such as the Manchester clubs and Chelsea is different, as Rice himself may view those as a big step up and a chance to fulfil his ambition.
Roshane Thomas of the Athletic suggested this morning that this is likely Rice’s final season at the London Stadium, regardless of any success and qualifying for Europe again.
We hope that day never comes, but we have to be ready for it and Newcastle can think again if they want to try their luck.
In other West Ham United news, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that this ‘Awesome’ star is set to make a decision on his future amid Irons interest
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