Mark Noble contract extension a good sign for Hammers future

West Ham have made their first move regarding winter signings and extended club captain Mark Noble. The proactive move will keep Noble under contract until 2021 suggesting the perfect timeline to bridge what is currently Noble’s team to Declan Rice’s team.

There is no coincidence that West Ham have gone three unbeaten since captain Mark Noble has returned to the starting eleven. The man who leads his team on and off the pitch has an undeniable presence when he plays and West Ham have made the wise move enacting the club option and locking him down until 2021.

Noble has fought hard to regain his position in the midfield, taking advantage of the injuries to Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere while outplaying Pedro Obiang for the right to play beside Declan Rice. His never-say-die attitude has earned him a position back in the starting XI and Pellegrini would be hardpressed to justify dropping him right now.

Realistically by the end of his contract extension Noble will be a solidified bench player. I love him for everything he brings to the team but if West Ham are using the then 34-year-old to fill out their midfield there has probably been a massive misstep along the way.

Of course, with any news to West Ham about contracts or signings with the January window approaching, we have to discuss how this links to Declan Rice and his potential future at the club.

I cannot find a reason why this move wouldn’t signal an impending long-term extension for Rice either in January or at the end of the season. There is a belief the club may have an option similar to the one exercised on Noble for Rice for one year, however, it would be extremely unlikely and ill-advised for it to be enacted due to high money deals being on the table from around the Premier League currently.

Noble having a future at the club is a move that, as mentioned, will see him shrink to the background as a bench player while still present in the locker room and club in general. There needs to be an on-pitch leader for the team and with Zabaleta likely done at the end of this year, the Noble extension allows the perfect timeline for the transition between Noble’s team to Rice’s.

Rice already performs like a leader and was also seen giving veteran striker Lucas Perez direction on the pitch this past match week against Crystal Palace. His leadership ability is already on display and when playing alongside Noble, Rice is learning how to conduct himself as the team’s leader even further. Simply put, Noble’s secured future has laid the groundwork for Rice’s eventual Noble-esque career… and I’m here for that.