West Ham United correspondent Roshane Thomas has been speaking on the latest episode of The Athletic Football Podcast to discuss the future of Declan Rice.
The midfielder’s future has been under speculation throughout the summer, with both Chelsea and Manchester United said to hold an interest in the 22-year-old.
Do you think Rice will leave next summer?
Yes
No
It is reported the Hammers were looking for a fee in the region of £90m for their midfielder if they were to sell this summer, while Rice is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024 (via Transfermarkt).
Rice has already made six appearances for the Hammers this season across all competitions with one goal and one assist to his name.
Discussing the future of Rice with the Hammers following the summer of speculation, Thomas had the following to say on the matter.
“In my opinion, West Ham have one of the best midfield partnerships right now in Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice, both so young.
“Everything right now is heading in a good direction for Declan Rice. Is he worth £100m? He is worth £100m. That’s how much he means to West Ham, because he’s that good; generational talent.”
TIF Thoughts on Rice’s future…
We are interested to see whether Rice will push for a move away next summer having had his first taste of European football at the Hammers in the Europa League.
Rice has earned himself a regular spot in the England starting XI, and with appearances on the European stage under his belt, he may wish to push for a move to a Champions League side.
However, as we saw with Harry Kane during the summer, the selling club does hold a lot of power if the specific player does not have a release clause in their contract.
West Ham have reportedly already put a hefty price tag on their star man and we think it will be a test of how much other sides want him next summer with regards to the midfielder potentially departing the London Stadium.
In other news: ‘As good as you’re going to get in the Premier League’ – TalkSPORT man wowed by West Ham duo