West Ham strengthen Declan Rice stance amid new Daniel Kretinsky investment
West Ham have strengthened their arm regarding Declan Rice’s future at the London Stadium, according to The Athletic journalist Matt Slater.
Rice, 22, has been linked with a move away from the Hammers for some time now but the midfielder’s form has hit new heights this season with John Terry even suggesting he’s world-class.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has bought into the Irons, purchasing 27 per cent of shares through investment group 1890s holdings a.s.
The Athletic’s Slater has suggested that could have a big impact on Rice’s future.
When asked how Kretinsky’s investment at the London Stadium will impact the January transfer window, Slater wrote on The Athletic website: “The January window is never the best for availability or value.
“West Ham are now operating on a higher level than they have for years.
“That means they need better/more expensive players to make a difference.
“That’s a good thing! But everyone can see they might struggle if they get a few injuries.
“Bringing in some quality cover is the obvious answer. But I also think the new investment will work in a different way.
“It will mean you don’t have to sell certain all-action midfielders just because one of the ‘big six’ come knocking.”
Wow
This could be the biggest news yet regarding Kretinsky’s buy-in at West Ham.
Having the Czech billionaire is great news and we have David Moyes to thank for that with the way he’s made Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal household names here.
While it’s bound to help in the future with strengthening the squad, developing the infrastructure of the club and expanding the stadium, it also means that we may not be swayed by certain offers for Rice.
There’s no denying that Rice is the best holding midfielder in the Premier League and Terry may be right in suggesting he’s the best at what he does in the world.
He’s a complete midfielder and we’d be shocked if every club in the world didn’t want a player of that calibre in their squad.
West Ham could get a lot of money for Rice but is he replaceable? Absolutely not.
Keeping Rice as long as we can will help the club grow massively – more than it has done already.
This is brilliant news.
In other West Ham news, Laura Woods has hit back at Simon Jordan’s Irons swipe in a passionate defence of Hammers fans.
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