Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson believes that West Ham will still be able to command £100m+ for Declan Rice, even if their poor form continues this season.
The Hammers head into the international break in 18th place in the Premier League table, having suffered their fifth defeat of the campaign at Everton last weekend. A 1-0 loss at Goodison Park compounded the east Londoners’ misery, with just four points from the first 21 on offer at the start of the season.
The 23-year-old England international is under contract until 2024 at the London Stadium, with the Irons holding the option to extend for a further year.
Robinson adamant over Rice’s value
When asked by Football Insider if the club’s ailing form and Rice’s length of contract will cause his value to drop, Robinson said: “I don’t think so. Age is on his side so I think West Ham can still get north of £100million for him. He is an established international at the age of 23.
“Yes, he is not at his best right now but he is playing in a poor West Ham side. They are struggling for results and performances at the moment.
“I do not think an indifferent 12 months will affect his value. I think they will still get a top fee for him because he will be a big part of England’s World Cup squad.
“He has enough credit in the bank to hold his England place and command the same transfer fee come the end of the season.”
Could West Ham sell?
Rice has been heavily linked with an exit from the London Stadium, with both Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly interested in him earlier this year.
The midfielder – who The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas once dubbed a ‘generational talent’ – is said to prefer a return to his boyhood club Chelsea if any transfer were to materialise.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano did claim that Rice was ‘simply untouchable’ during the summer transfer window, but Claret and Hugh have said this week that the Irons are willing to entertain offers for their captain.
The 2021/22 Hammer of the Year has previously told ESPN that he as an “urgent” desire to play Champions League football, and it appears that the club are now open to letting him leave.
Moyes himself slapped a £150m price tag on his star midfielder earlier this year, but it remains to be seen what sort of fee the 23-year-old would command if offers start to come in.
In terms of Robinson’s claim, Rice is still West Ham’s second-best performer according to WhoScored amidst the team’s recent struggles. Therefore, if he were to maintain or enhance his level amid an upturn in form for the Hammers, he might just yet fetch a nine-figure transfer fee.
