Kevin Phillips reacts to ‘crazy’ West Ham transfer admission from Moyes
Kevin Phillips has claimed that West Ham must do all they can to ensure Declan Rice does not leave the club at the end of the season.
Manager David Moyes admitted last week that the 21-year-old England international could be on his way out of east London in the upcoming summer transfer window.
But Phillips has argued that the Hammers cannot afford to lose their star man.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It’s a difficult one.
“How do you view it? If you’re the owners do you cash in and get the money?
“Or, if you’re serious about progressing and wanting to finish in that top six, which West Ham certainly are capable of – they’re a big club, big stadium – then the only way you do that is by keeping your best players.
“Declan Rice has emerged as a fantastic midfielder. He hasn’t got loads of experience, but he’s gaining it week in and week out.
“He’s had a dip in form of late, which has coincided with West Ham’s loss of form, and it’s highlighted how important he is more
“From my point of view, Mark Noble isn’t getting any younger, I think you’d be crazy to let Rice go.
“I think if they got relegated he would certainly want to move on because he would want to stay in the Premier League. If they don’t get relegated, you’ve got to keep hold of the player.”
Is Phillips right?
Nobody wants to see Rice leave the club, and there’s a reason why that is the case.
Even if the youngster could fetch a handsome fee in the market – and he definitely would at this present moment in time – losing him would be a hammer blow for the Hammers.
So far this term, Rice has been an ever-present in the Premier League, and with a pass completion rate of 87.3%, 3.1 tackles, and two interceptions to his name, as per Whoscored, it’s abundantly clear that he is absolutely integral to Moyes’ men.
With Mark Noble not getting any younger either, his importance is only going to increase too.
One day, selling him will become unavoidable, but the Irons need to hang on for dear life for as long as possible.
In other West Ham news, Stan Collymore urges Hammers owners to sell the club ASAP.