---
title: "Pundits clash over the future of West Ham star Declan Rice"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2022/02/02/pundits-clash-over-the-future-of-west-ham-star-declan-rice/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2022-02-02T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2022-02-02T12:00:00Z"
---

# Pundits clash over the future of West Ham star Declan Rice

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2022/02/02/west-ham-icon-left-bitterly-disappointed-by-transfer-window/) midfielder [Declan Rice](https://readwestham.com/2022/01/05/pundit-names-two-west-ham-stars-in-epl-team-of-the-week/) is once again in the spotlight following an inactive transfer window in East London.

The Hammers were expected to strengthen their ranks in order to compete for a [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) top-four finish.

However, David Moyes failed to add to the [squad](https://www.whufc.com/teams/first-team/squad) and many believe the hopes of a strong end to the campaign may have been dashed.

Discussing what a poor end to the season and indeed a lack of ambition may mean for the future of Rice, ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara and former Chelsea man Jason Cundy exchanged a heated debate on [talkSPORT](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1488650871529349125).

> 😔 JC: “How do you think Rice feels? I think he’ll feel disappointed.”
>
> 🤔 J’OH: “Why? The recruitment has been good. Why does he need to leave?”
>
> Jamie O’Hara & Jason Cundy debate why Declan Rice would even need to leave [#WHUFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in the summer [pic.twitter.com/oxmf2xotJ7](https://t.co/oxmf2xotJ7)
>
> — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) [February 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1488650871529349125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Cundy claimed the situation had ‘all the hallmarks’ of an incoming move for the [27-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/nationalmannschaft/spieler/357662/verein_id/3299) England man.

This morning Aston Villa favourite Gabby Agbonlahor has [added to the argument](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1488791800055697410) and suggested that West Ham have ‘given up’ on the top four.

> 👀 “[#WHUFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) have given up on top four. It was the perfect chance to get [#UCL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).”
>
> 🔥 “How long will Rice be happy with Europa League? He’ll go in the summer!”[@Ga11Agbon](https://twitter.com/ga11agbon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) believes West Ham have ‘given up’ top four & thinks Declan Rice will leave… [pic.twitter.com/ZySdCgqBgf](https://t.co/ZySdCgqBgf)
>
> — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) [February 2, 2022](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1488791800055697410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

It comes to something when O’Hara is fighting a corner for the Irons.

Under a contract until 2024 ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/profil/spieler/357662)) the Hammers still hold much of the power when it comes to their powerful midfield star.

Having already [rejected offers](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/declan-rice-would-reject-west-ham-united-contract-offers-to-keep-options-open-xvp2zl97p#:~:text=Declan%20Rice%20plans%20to%20rebuff,22%2Dyear%2Dold%20midfielder.) of a new deal to extend that stay at the London Stadium, there is certainly a concern that pastures new could beckon for Rice.

The Englishman has previously [spoken](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-transfer-news-declan-rice-19344046) of a desire to play at the highest level and in truth, performances warrant a shot at Champions League football.

Previously courted by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, it looks as though West Ham will face a battle to keep the [£67.5million valued](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/marktwertverlauf/spieler/357662) ace beyond this summer.