Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes West Ham will struggle to keep Declan Rice beyond this season without Champions League football.
This comes after Irons’ manager David Moyes told potential suitors they had missed their opportunity to sign the 22-year-old midfielder at a ‘bargain’ £100million fee.
Rice has been in inspired form once again this term and continues to drive the Hammers forwards to new heights as on-field captain.
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson suggested the England international will look to move on should West Ham miss out on elite European qualification.
Declan Rice’s future will be dependent on West Ham’s season. We know they got into the top six last season. Can they do it consistently over a season now and get into the Champions League? We are yet to see if West Ham can match his ambitions and the level that he wants to be at. If they are in the Champions League at the end of the season, he may well sign a new contract. But unless they are in those top-four spots at the end of the year, I can’t see him staying.
Moyes’ side moved inside the Premier League top four over the weekend with a 1-0 victory against London rivals Tottenham.
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Unfortunately, this could well turn out to be accurate.
Rice has previously spoken about his ambitions to be competing in the upper echelons of the best competitions in world football – ambitions deserving of his abilities.
West Ham may feel there is at least one spot up for the grabs in the top four come to the end of the season and could even be targeting UEFA Champions League qualification via winning the Europa League.
