West Ham United captain Declan Rice is expected to leave the club this summer, As mentioned in a news article on chairman David Sullivan. Rice led his team to victory in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, and s have indicated that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool are all monitoring his situation. West Ham are reportedly demanding £100 million for the midfielder’s departure. Sullivan confirmed that the club had promised Rice he could leave, adding that they had offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago, which he turned down. Despite ongoing speculation, Rice said his focus is currently on playing for West Ham.
West Ham United captain Declan Rice is set to leave the club this summer, chairman David Sullivan said on Thursday, following the club’s first European title victory in 58 years.
Rice, who has made 245 appearances for West Ham, captained his side to the European title as a last-minute Jarrod Bowen winner earned West Ham a 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal want to pursue a deal for Rice at the end of the season while Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Liverpool are monitoring developments. Sources added that West Ham are expected to demand £100 million to let the midfielder leave the club.
When asked whether the victory was Rice’s last match for West Ham, Sullivan told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
“In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement, or several replacements. It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
“It’s cost him £10m to stay at West Ham in that time. And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
Sullivan’s announcement came the day after Rice won his maiden European trophy as a player. He told BT Sport after the match that “he loves the club” and still has “two years left” despite ongoing speculation around his future.
Rice added: “My focus is playing for West Ham at the moment. I’m captain of this club and I can’t speak highly enough of this place. Let’s just see what happens. Let’s wait and see. Who knows?”
It is clear that Rice’s departure will be a huge loss for West Ham, who have enjoyed a remarkable season under manager David Moyes. The Hammers finished sixth in the Premier League and secured their place in next season’s Europa League, while also winning their first European trophy since the 1960s.
Rice has been a key figure in that success, providing a solid presence in midfield and leading by example on and off the pitch. His departure will leave a significant hole in the West Ham squad, and it remains to be seen how the club will go about replacing him.
For Rice, a move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs seems inevitable. He has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the country and has already made 18 appearances for the England national team.
While West Ham will be disappointed to lose their captain, they can take pride in the fact that they have helped to develop a player who is now in high demand. Rice has been a loyal servant to the club and has played a major role in their recent success. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone associated with West Ham, and with the knowledge that he will always be remembered as a key figure in the club’s history.
