West Ham have had a rocky start to the season as they were blown away by Manchester City in the first game. Not many expected to come up with points from this game but getting beaten at home 5-0 shouldn’t be accepting of a team which is looking to challenge for the top six. Moreover, the club invested a lot of money in the last few transfer windows, so a lot better was expected out of the Hammers.
West Ham brought in firepower upfront as they completed the signings of Sebastien Haller and Pablo Fornals. A lot will be expected out of the duo. Another major success for Pellegrini in the transfer window was that he was able to keep hold of Declan Rice.
The versatile midfielder drew attention from Manchester City after his impressive contributions last season, but Rice stayed put in London. The youngster went on to improve his contract which ties him down at the club until 2024 with another year to extend.
However, West Ham and England football legend Sir Geoff Hurt believes that Pellegrini will find it hard to keep him for long. He recently said (Daily Star), ”Of course the big danger its any young player at any club, and at West Ham, outside the top six is when one of the top six boys comes sniffing along. Then it becomes a huge problem of whether you can keep him. With West Ham or any club outside the top six, when the top six come calling it’s difficult to keep them.”
The long term contract might act as a deterrent to potential clubs in the future, but the top six have the financial power to sign almost anyone these days. Harry Maguire was recently signed by Manchester United even though his contract with the Foxes ran until 2023. So Sir Hurst is right in his assessment that Rice could depart in the future and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave even by next season.
How can the Hammers keep him?
The only way the Hammers can retain his services is by improving on the pitch and making him believe in the project at the club. Pellegrini is an experienced manager who has seen it all in his managerial career so he will have a significant role to play in keeping a talented star like Rice at the London stadium.
The ongoing season is going to be a big one for the club. If there are no signs of improvement from the East London outfit, then Rice would definitely look to move away in the future.
