According to a report from Metro, West Ham United are under no pressure to sell Declan Rice in the January transfer window. The midfield ace had an incredible spell at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with England and is being targeted by some of the biggest clubs in English football which includes Manchester United and Chelsea. However, the Hammers are in no hurry as he has been valued in excess of £100m and the East London club remain in a strong bargaining position.
Rice’s Impressive Numbers This Season So Far
Declan Rice had a slow start to the 2022/23 campaign but has returned to form after producing some dominant displays in the central areas of the field recently. He has managed to find the back of the net on one occasion and create two assists over 15 appearances so far this season.
The Thames-born sensation has performed exceptionally since his debut establishing himself as a regular feature under David Moyes and becoming the captain for the Hammers. Even in the current campaign, he has been reliable in the holding midfield positions after averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 1.2 shots and 1.3 key passes per game in the Premier League. He has also been excellent with his ball distribution after completing 90.4% of his attempted passes in the English top flight. (stats via whoscored).
Rice’s current contract is set to expire in July 2024 which explains why West Ham are under no real pressure to sell him and could rather hold on to him until they get an irrefutable offer from one of the clubs interested in him.
Should West Ham United Boss David Moyes Sanction His Exit Next Summer?
Rice has a solid presence in the central areas of the field as he can get stuck with some strong challenges making it difficult for the opposition to dominate in the midfield areas. He is a prolific passer of the ball and can create a few inviting chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. The England international can make some crucial interceptions to win the ball back for his side. He is a tough-tackling midfielder who can sense danger quickly and clear his lines to stop the opposition attackers in their tracks.
An all-around central midfielder of Rice’s quality is difficult to replace and he remains a key player for the club. However, with his contract set to expire in 2024, he will be entering the final year of his current deal next summer which means that West Ham would be in a position whereby they could either demand a massive fee for him or try to convince him on signing a new deal.
Although, if they fall short of negotiating a contract renewal it would mean that they could risk losing him for a reduced price and he has made it clear that he would be willing to make an exit from London Stadium to take the next big step in his career which involves Champions League football in the play. So it would only make sense for David Moyes to cut him loose at the end of this season and make use of the offered money to add more depth to the squad.
