Liverpool see Declan Rice as ideal Wijnaldum replacement; fee an issue
According to the Express, Liverpool see West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice as the ideal replacement for departed star Georginio Wijnaldum. However, a move will be complicated by the Hammers’ valuation of their star player.
Rice, having started at the academy of Chelsea, made the switch to the West Ham youth setup in 2014. In a few years, he was knocking the first-team doors and has now blossomed into one of the best defensive midfielders on show in the Premier League.
Indeed, the 22-year-old is a permanent fixture for both club and country and has been one of England’s top performers in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020, helping them to the semi-finals. Rice already has a lot of admirers at the top end of the Premier League, with Liverpool also now seemingly joining the list. (h/t Express)
It is no secret that the Reds in the market for a new midfielder following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum. The Dutchman was an ever-present in the middle of the park for Jurgen Klopp’s side for the five years since he arrived at the club. However, he decided to run down his contract and secure a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Wijnaldum’s departure has naturally left a gaping hole in the middle of the park for Liverpool – something that needs to be addressed before the season kicks off. And, the report claims that the Reds see Rice as the perfect replacement for the Netherlands captain.
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In fact, Rice could also be open to an exit from West Ham this summer, having recently turned down two new contract proposals (h/t The Guardian).
However, Liverpool might find the transfer fee for the midfielder an issue considering that West Ham boss David Moyes claimed earlier in March that the 22-year-old was worth “far more” than £100m. With three years on his contract, the Hammers can afford to stand firm on their stance.
