Joe Cole thinks Declan Rice will stay at West Ham on one condition

Joe Cole has told JOE’s All To Play For podcast that he thinks Declan Rice will stay at West Ham United this summer, but only on one crucial condition – if the Hammers qualify for European football under David Moyes.

Rice, 22, continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea as he shines for West Ham – proving to be a crucial member of the Hammers side in central midfield and even taking over the captain’s armband with Mark Noble benched.

Despite only just turning 22, Rice has already played 130 times for West Ham – starting and finishing all 21 matches in all competitions for the Hammers this season. He has a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2024.

Cole was similar to Rice’s age when he gave up the West Ham captaincy to move to Chelsea and he has told JOE’s podcast that he thinks Rice should stay at the London Stadium if gets the chance to captain West Ham in Europe.

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“If West Ham can get European football, I think he should stay,” Cole said. “Because that is progress, I’m putting myself in the lads boots. If that’s not the case and he doesn’t play for England at the Euros.

TBR’s view – Rice has got to stay at West Ham

Even without Europe. There is no doubt that Rice is going to have a stunning career at the top end of the Premier League. He is just as good in central midfield as he is in the middle of the defence – and Chelsea is likely.

Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, Rice is likely to end up returning. But looking at Chelsea’s team right now, does he get ahead of N’Golo Kante? Probably not. He needs to stay at West Ham, and continue to shine.

Make himself an England regular, surpass 200 appearances for the Hammers and then consider a move to Chelsea.

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