By Conor Hogan

In 2023, West Ham sold Declan Rice for £105 million – a British transfer record at the time.

An academy graduate, Rice had established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders and a regular starter for England. Between 2017 and 2023, he made over 200 appearances for the Hammers and captained the club to UEFA Conference League glory in his final match, ending a 43-year wait for major silverware.

When Rice completed his move to Arsenal, it was widely viewed as good business for West Ham. The club banked £105 million pure profit for a homegrown player who had already delivered historic success.

The money was reinvested in Mohammed Kudus, Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse. Whether or not you believe that was a fair trade in hindsight, the trio had a very encouraging first season under David Moyes.

However, fast forward to 2026, and all three are effectively gone – Kudus defected to Spurs, Alvarez is on loan at Fenerbahçe and James Ward-Prowse has faded into obscurity under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Hammers are in deep trouble and look strong contenders for relegation to the Championship this season. Frankly, the Hammers have generally struggled since Rice’s departure.

Meanwhile, Rice, now 26, has become one of the best players in world football. He has been a standout performer in both the Premier League and Champions League in recent seasons, and continues to define matches at the highest level.

What once looked like a fair deal in 2023 now feels, in hindsight, like daylight robbery.

This reflection comes after Rice scored a brace to rescue a sluggish Arsenal side against Bournemouth, securing three crucial points in their title push. It was a familiar sight – Rice dragging his team over the line when others faltered.

In the current situation West Ham find themselves in, Rice is the kind of player they so desperately lack.

There is no player in Nuno’s squad that can take the game by the scruff of the neck like Rice. Jarrod Bowen is immensely talented, Tomáš Souček works tirelessly for the badge and Mateus Fernandes has bundles of potential – but none of them are Rice.

Rice was often criticised for his leadership during his final season in East London, but his ability to take responsibility in difficult moments was undeniable. Since his exit, West Ham have lacked a true leader – someone with the authority, quality and drive to lift those around him when things turn ugly.

Ultimately, Rice’s departure earned West Ham £105 million. But it cost them a world-class footballer, a leader, and a get-out-of-jail card rolled into one.

His exit was inevitable. Players of his calibre do not stay in East London forever. But with every passing week, it becomes clearer that Declan Rice was a once-in-a-generation talent for West Ham.

And while he now edges closer to Premier League glory, the club he once captained faces the very real prospect of losing its place in the top flight altogether.