Presenter ExWHUemployee has said that Declan Rice will be keeping his current squad number at West Ham United despite recent doubt.
In the club’s current preparations for the approaching Premier League season, they have been playing some friendlies. They recently took on Swiss football club Servette but eagle-eyed viewers would have spotted something usual in the game.
Indeed, teenage prospect Freddie Potts was on the bench wearing the number 41 shirt which usually belongs to Rice. This may have led some fans to believe that the Englishman could be set for a change, but it seems as though that won’t be the case.
Indeed, while writing on The West Ham Way Patreon page, the club insider said: “Freddie Potts wore the number 41 shirt for the game today but I can confirm Declan Rice will be keeping this number for the coming season.”
Will Declan Rice ever change his number at West Ham?
Yes
No
TIF thoughts on Declan Rice and West Ham…
Rice has worn the same shirt number for the club even since he was handed it for the senior side back in the 2016/17 season – although he did wear number five, six, 12, 16, and 68 and youth level (via Transfermarkt)
Considering the England international has now played nearly 200 times for West Ham, it would be a bit of a surprise to seem him change it. Even so, with 18-year-old Potts donning the number during preseason, fans could hardly be blamed for thinking a switch may well have been on the cards.
Of course, Rice has also been linked with an exit summer – with Chelsea said to be interested in the player – and so there may have been concern that the shirt switch could mean he’s already set for a departure.
However, with Ex confirming the midfielder intends to wear the shirt next season, a move away doesn’t seem particularly close at this moment in time.