It’s “inevitable” that Declan Rice will leave West Ham at some point in the future, according to talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy.
The 20-year-old made his full England debut on Monday evening, and after an impressive display, Cundy has argued that the Hammers mainstay won’t be long in leaving his boyhood club.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “There are bigger and better things on the horizon for him.
“Whether it happens this year, or whether it happens next year, it’s going to happen. That’s one thing the West Ham fans know and will have to accept.
“He will not end his playing days at West Ham. It’s inevitable that Declan Rice will go on and play for one of the biggest clubs in the country.”
“If he’s got ambition, Declan Rice will leave West Ham this season.”
“You think he should stay another 12 months? I think that’s bonkers!” 🤯@AndyGoldstein05 & @JasonCundy05 debate when Rice should quit #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/vIx6HEFn7A
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 26, 2019
OPINION
These comments will be crushing to West Ham fans, but they must realise in their heart of hearts that they are probably true. Rice, who has played in all but three league games this term, is already looking like one of the best players in his position in the country, and the potential for what he could achieve in the game is almost boundless. With every passing milestone he cements his status as one of the best prospects in European football, and the mature way that he handled his England call up was a reminder, as if one was needed, of just how far beyond his years he is. Rice can win it all, surely, but whether he can do that with West Ham is a different question entirely. The chances are that he will have to move on to realise his potential, but you get the impression that he will stick around for as long as possible, and when he does go, you can bet that there will be nobody as gutted as the player himself.
