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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
As quoted by Goal (entry 08:30), Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he recognises Declan Rice’s valuation could increase if he continues to impress this season.
What did he say?
Rice played 34 times in the Premier League last year, and in recent weeks talk of him joining Manchester United has surfaced. It’s been discussed by Gary Neville, albeit sharing his concerns over a potential move, Owen Hargreaves and former Leeds star Noel Whelan.
Now, Pellegrini has hinted that if the England international keeps on producing for the Hammers, his value will inevitably increase.
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He said: “His value will depend on what happens this season but his mind is not thinking about that. At the beginning of last season he has a low contract, because he was coming as a young player and he continued working and he didn’t make any trouble with that contract.
“After that he improved and now he’s not thinking about money.”
Game-changer
Such is the money that gets bandied around nowadays – £50m for Aaron Wan-Bisssaka being a prime example – West Ham could no doubt command a high fee if they wanted to sell Rice.
Nevertheless, as United have shown with their captures of both Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire in particular, the Red Devils are seemingly willing to pay over-the-odds to get the players they want.
The allure of playing for the Manchester side and their likely involvement in European football means it will undoubtedly be difficult for Pellegrini to persuade Rice into staying if reports surrounding a move to United materialise.
Speaking earlier this month to FourFourTwo (as quoted by The Manchester Evening News), the midfielder admitted a switch to Old Trafford wouldn’t faze him at all.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think I’ve got the ability to play for a club like that. But it’s all about the timing and I don’t think the timing is right for me at all. I’ve still got so much to learn.”
Now into his third successive season of playing consistent first-team football with West Ham in the Premier League, Rice may feel next summer could be the perfect “time” for him to seek pastures new. And if that is indeed the case, then Pellegrini’s assessment of the 20-year-old’s rising valuation could net the Hammers a real game-changing amount of money.
The sum is always bigger than the individual parts. And if the London side could collect a cheque upwards of the £90m being cited by Noel Whelan, then they could be set for a hugely profitable few years.