Ferdinand believes keeping Diop and Rice was West Ham’s best summer business

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Rio Ferdinand reckons keeping hold of Issa Diop and Declan Rice was West Ham United’s best business this summer.

The club brought in a few new faces such as Sebastien Haller for a club-record £45 million (BBC Sport) and Pablo Fornals for £24 million (BBC Sport).

Goncalo Cardoso and Albian Ajeti have also signed, while goalkeepers Roberto and David Martin were brought in on free transfers.

The two big-money captures have been praised by fans and pundits, who believe could help the club make a push for Europe this season.

But in the eyes of Ferdinand, keeping hold of Diop and Rice trumps those deals.

He told talkSPORT: “The fans have been up in arms over the last couple of years with the owners but they have put their money where their mouth is. And the biggest thing they have achieved this year is keeping hold of Declan Rice and Issa Diop.

“Me, Frank [Lampard], Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson. Once there was a little bit of form or interest players just left this club before. Hopefully, this is the sign of the strength at the club now.”

TBR’s view

It was huge for West Ham to retain the services of Diop and Rice – two players who have extremely bright futures.

Both have caught the eye over the last year or so and one would expect them to get even better in 2019/20.

Getting Haller and Fornals was really important for the Hammers, but arguably those deals are allowed to look even better with Diop and Rice still in the picture.