---
title: "Rio Ferdinand believes Declan Rice would be a ‘massive addition’ at rivals"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/08/17/rio-ferdinand-believes-declan-rice-would-be-a-massive-addition-at-rivals/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-08-17T16:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-08-17T16:00:00Z"
---

# Rio Ferdinand believes Declan Rice would be a ‘massive addition’ at rivals

Former Premier League central defender Rio Ferdinand has been surmising over the potential impact [West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/08/17/les-ferdinand-surprised-west-ham-havent-gone-all-out-for-jesse-lingard/) ace [Declan Rice](https://readwestham.com/2021/08/10/virals-david-moyes-delivers-hands-off-warning-over-100m-valued-stars/) could have elsewhere.

The 42-year-old pundit, who [played for](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rio-ferdinand/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3235) England, the Hammers and Leeds United as well as Manchester United has been suggesting the midfielder would vastly improve the Old Trafford ranks.

This comes as speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future at the London Stadium came under scrutiny as it was [revealed](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jul/01/declan-rice-rejects-west-ham-contract-offers-chelsea-manchester-united-city-champions-league) the Londoner had rejected an offer of a new deal in east London.

Interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United themselves has [since been mooted](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-transfers-rice-manchester-united-20988576) and Ferdinand believes his ex-employers would benefit from the signing.

Speaking on his [FIVE YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09-9hKW7rb8), the [81-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rio-ferdinand/nationalmannschaft/spieler/3235/verein_id/3299) England icon claimed Rice would be an astute acquisition.

> I think Declan Rice would be a massive addition to this squad. I’m a massive fan of his. I would love to see him keep progressing. He was brilliant for England in the summer. I think if West Ham keep him they’ve done unbelievably well. I think he does well staying at West Ham or if he goes.

Last season the [24 times capped](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/nationalmannschaft/spieler/357662/verein_id/3299) ace [scored twice and registered one assist](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357662) in 32 Premier League outings.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Whilst it’s a wholly correct observation – afterall, Rice would enhance almost any squad in world football – once again Ferdinand seems to be [touting for Manchester United to move](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ferdinand-declan-rice-manchester-united-20810612) for a West Ham star.

Holding a market value of £63million and under contract until 2024 with the Hammers ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/marktwertverlauf/spieler/357662)), David Moyes has previously spoken of in [excess of £100million valuation](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/03/07/declan-rice-worth-far-100m-says-david-moyes/) on the combative midfielder.

[Qualification for the Europa League](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/may/23-may/west-ham-united-qualify-uefa-europa-league-final-day-win-over) may have acted to stave off the need to sell Rice for the time being, although this doesn’t look to be a situation that will go away anytime soon.

If the club are going to retain the services of Rice and their best assets moreover, constant improvements are needed.