Some West Ham United fans were left a little baffled by Manuel Pellegrini’s ‘if the price is right’ comments this week.
West Ham fans were filled with pride this week after their long wait to once again see a Hammer grace the England team was realised.
It has been a barren run for the self-styled Academy of Football.
But Declan Rice ended that long wait when he played in 5-0 and 5-1 wins over Czech Republic and Montenegro respectively.
Rice made his full senior debut in Montenegro playing the full 90 minutes.
The buzz of seeing one of their own in the national team has quickly been replaced by angst.
Thanks to the unusually open Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.
‘If the Rice price is right’
Speaking in his pre-Everton press conference Pellegrini – often a bit of a closed book when it comes to engaging with the press – talked up the potential sale of Rice.
“In that case, as always, it is just a matter of price,” Pellegrini told the gathered media, as reported by the likes of The Guardian – and understandably just about every other media outlet since.
“There are big teams who decide to pay an important amount of money. Sure, if it is a good deal for the club and the player and improves his career, then we can do it. But I know nothing about that yet.”
The comments come after speculation the likes of Manchester United and City both want Rice.
It has led to speculation among downbeat Hammers fans that the club is hoping to start a bidding war.
Supporters insist the club should only be looking to build a young hungry new West Ham around Rice.
Pellegrini had his doubts but motives unclear
But are Pellegrini’s comments borne of the initial doubts he had over Rice?
The Chilean has worked with some of the world’s best players.
And he was honest enough to admit on the club’s official website last month he was not sure about the midfielder.
“The truth is, I was not 100 per cent sure [he would progress to this level],” Pellegrini told whufc.com.
“I saw him play well last year but I saw him make a lot of mistakes too, but that’s normal in the first season. But he kept proving himself and showing that he could be an important player.
“We had a very bad first game against Liverpool and he started that match but the first thing I made clear to him was that the defeat was not because of his individual performance, but that we were trying to find our feet as a team in that moment and that we soon would. And soon he became a big player for us and now he is vitally important and he has a future you wouldn’t have dreamed of.”
Angst and Dec
Perhaps Pellegrini feels there are better players out there he could replace Rice with should a mega bid be forthcoming.
Someone like Ruben Neves is a prime example that despite Rice’s obvious talent, there are better players out there.
The Portuguese, just 22, has better defensive midfield stats than Rice this season. But he also has amazing passing range, skill and an eye for the spectacular goal or two.
Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City is the Premier League’s leading defensive midfielder. He too is only 22.
Realistically, though, neither would see West Ham as a step up in their careers.
But there are other talents out there yet discovered.
With that in mind maybe Pellegrini is not scared to talk up his most saleable asset.
Or could it be that he was just being honest? After all he was just stating the obvious that is true of any player in world football. That every player, even Ronaldo, has his price.
Time will tell.
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