Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand weigh in on Declan Rice West Ham United transfer debate
Rio Ferdinand believes that West Ham United captain Declan Rice can live up to a £100million price tag at a top-four club, but Patrice Evra admitted his potential fee could leave him open to high levels of scrutiny.
The Hammers reportedly want £120million plus add-ons for the sale of Rice in the summer, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all “still in the frame” for his signing. [Jim White, 7 February]
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE (6 March, 40:00), former Manchester United left-back Evra praised the 24-year-old but questioned whether he was ready to take on a leadership role at a title-contending club.
“That’s the problem with those massive price tags because afterwards, people will judge you,” Evra said.
“That’s the problem for Declan Rice. I would say he’s good, he’s the future, but as soon as he hits the £100million, people like Keano [Roy Keane] they’re going to kill him.
“Yes, he can [make it at a big club], if he has the right manager and also the right players around him. I think he’s not ready [to lead at a big club] like the media say, but he is going in the right direction. “
Ferdinand added: “I think Declan Rice goes to a bigger club than West Ham, becomes an even better player and goes on again because his attitude and character will make the difference.”
Hot property
Rice is one of the most sought-after players in European football right now, and rightly so.
The Hammers captain oozes quality on a weekly basis and often drags his team through matches from the base of midfield. His ability not just to sit deep and defend but also to push on with the ball at his feet has improved dramatically over the last 18 months.
Rice was not always comfortable in the final third, but his performances for both club and country recently have shown that he is a midfielder who is constantly adapting and improving his game.
The England international will come under immense levels of scrutiny if he completes a marquee summer move this summer – much like Jack Grealish has at Manchester City – but he has the character to brush that aside and keep proving doubters wrong.
It will be a shame when Rice inevitably leaves West Ham United at the end of the season, but hopefully, he can help the club maintain their Premier League status before he parts ways.