TalkSport reporter Alex Crook has given his thoughts on West Ham United and how their actions in the January transfer window could affect the future of Declan Rice.
David Moyes’ men, despite being linked with a number of names, didn’t make a single move of note in January with no senior players coming in or out, which led to some criticism from some media outlets.
This criticism is arguably justified given how close the battle for a spot in Europe is set to be between now and the end of the season and how their form hasn’t been the greatest in recent weeks. The Hammers have dropped to sixth in the table, and with teams around them having games in hand, their place is far from secure.
But according to Crook, the impact could be felt well beyond just this season.
Speaking on the TalkSport GameDay podcast, he discussed what the Hammers did, or rather didn’t do back in January and claimed that the lack of moves from Moyes could ultimately be interpreted as a lack of ambition.
This could lead to Rice – who has long been a target for other Premier League clubs – leaving this upcoming summer.
He said: “It wasn’t that the owners weren’t willing to spend money, although I think some of the targets that were going for clearly weren’t realistic. But David Moyes only wanted to spend that money on players that will improve the first XI, rather than just come on and improve the bench. But actually, football is a squad game and West Ham’s squad isn’t deep enough.
“But the message that sends out to Declan Rice is, actually, if I do want to play in the Champions League, I am going to have to leave, and I think he will be hankering for that move in the summer. I think he’ll be actively trying to force his way out.”
TIF Thoughts on Alex Crook’s comments about Declan Rice and West Ham United…
Will Declan Rice be at West Ham next season?
Yes
No
Crook does have a point when it comes to the apparent lack of ambition that West Ham United are showing.
Rice has recently spoken of his desire to play in the Champions League, stating to ESPN: “It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well. We were really close with West Ham at the minute and last season, it was gutting to lose out on it last year but we are pushing. Look, we’ll keep going. Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it and do well.”
But if West Ham aren’t willing to spend in order to make that a reality, Rice may find himself in a position of trying to force himself out of the club and signing with a team that can and will. And given his talent levels, you can imagine that there will be plenty of clubs that are more than happy to splash the cash to make it happen for him.
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