West Ham United feel strong on Declan Rice contract option as transfer saga rolls on
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice could leave the club in the summer of 2023, but the Hammers have not decided on the price tag, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Guardian journalist told Caughtoffside that the Hammers still feel strongly about the player’s future as they have the option to extend his deal for one more year.
Simon Phillips wrote on 27 November that Chelsea will be in the mix to sign Rice in the summer, and they see him as a priority signing for the club.
“I reported last summer that Declan Rice was not going to sign a new deal with West Ham and this is still the case; no agreement, so there are good chances for Declan to leave in the summer,” said Romano.
“I’m not sure about the price tag yet, as West Ham have not decided and they still feel strong on the price having an option to extend the contract for one more year.”
Inevitable
Rice has been arguably the most consistent player for the Hammers in the past couple of years, and he deserves to play at a bigger club.
The England midfielder loves the club and he has always played with pride and passion. He never agitated for a move but has harboured his desire to play in the Champions League.
The Hammers have progressed under David Moyes, definitely, but they should allow Rice to leave if they receive a good offer.
After narrowly missing out on the top four in the past two seasons, many thought that the Hammers will provide a strong challenge after they spent heavily in the summer window.
The results didn’t improve, and David Moyes is under a lot of pressure to keep his job.
West Ham always maintained that any potential suitor will have to spend over £100m to sign Rice, and irrespective of where they finish this season, that stance is unlikely to change.
Every player has a price, and big Premier League and European clubs will have to pay a handsome fee to lure him away.