Declan Rice is ‘100% leaving West Ham’ as ‘massive’ claim made – pundit
Declan Rice’s departure from West Ham is all but certain and will signal a “massive decline” at the club.
That is according to Spurs expert John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (26 December), Moyes claimed West Ham will put up a “big fight” to keep Rice at the club beyond this summer, insisting they won’t “roll over” in negotiations.
The under-pressure Irons boss previously valued the midfielder at over £150million in an attempt to stave off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man United, and Chelsea.
Wenham fears for the future of the club if Rice leaves the club in the near future.
“Without Rice, what identity do West Ham have?” Wenham told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“For me, whatever you think about Mark Noble as a player, he gave West Ham a clear identity as a club. He was a supporter on the pitch and I see that in Declan Rice.
“They had Noble for over 10 years, to lose Rice at 23, it would be very disheartening for them. It would signal a massive decline in a club that reached the semi-final of the Europa League last season.
“I think he’s 100% leaving West Ham, a deal now is unlikely but in the summer, 100%.”
Rice has played every minute of the Hammers’ Premier League season.
He has scored once.
In other news, pundit cites Mauricio Pochettino as Hammers edge closer to sacking David Moyes.