Declan Rice: West Ham Chairman Confident About Midfielder’s Departure
Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham United, is expected to leave the club this summer, according to West Ham chairman David Sullivan, who expressed his confidence at around 99%. Rice, a 24-year-old midfielder from England, has been the subject of numerous transfer speculations away from the London Stadium.
Following West Ham’s triumph over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League on Wednesday, Sullivan spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and stated, “We made a promise last summer that if he gave his all, we would allow him to leave the club. It’s the right and fair thing to do.”
Rice, who recently became the third West Ham captain to lift a trophy for the club, joins the esteemed ranks of Bobby Moore, who won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965, and Billy Bonds, who led the Hammers to FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980.
Having made his debut in the 2016-17 season after progressing through the academy, Rice has played 245 games and scored 15 goals for West Ham. He initially represented the Republic of Ireland three times before switching his international allegiance to England, where he has earned 41 caps and played in all five matches during last year’s World Cup.
Despite having one year remaining on his contract, West Ham holds the option to extend it until the summer of 2025, giving the club leverage in negotiating a substantial transfer fee.
Sullivan emphasized West Ham’s commitment to conducting affairs properly, saying, “West Ham is a very proper club, and we do things in a proper way. But at the same time, we don’t want another club taking advantage of us, especially when a replacement would cost 50 to 60 million and wouldn’t be as good as him.”
Reflecting on West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years, Sullivan expressed his elation and reiterated his unwavering support for manager David Moyes, despite the team’s challenging season and 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
“It was a delightful night because we’ve had a terrible season, there’s no denying that. I didn’t expect it, but deep down, we always believed we would win this trophy from day one,” Sullivan remarked. “We have stood firmly behind the manager. During difficult times, we have reassured him that, regardless of what the papers say, he is and will remain our manager at the end of the season.”
Rice’s exceptional performance earned him the title of Uefa Conference League Player of the Year. He was also named in the Team of the Year alongside Alphonse Areola, Nayif Aguerd, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio.
Julian Dicks, a former West Ham defender who was part of the coaching staff during Rice’s breakthrough season, acknowledged that his departure would create a void in midfield. Dicks commented, “He rarely loses possession, which is fantastic for a midfielder. He is an asset to any club, and West Ham will miss him. Players desire to win trophies. It can’t be solely about money, as they earn enough. I can’t blame Declan for wanting to leave and pursue trophies. If West Ham were winning trophies more frequently, I’m sure he would stay.”
Trevor Brooking, a West Ham legend, shared a similar sentiment, stating, “Rice has been a leader and has motivated his teammates. The general feeling is that he will move on, but what a way to go. He could have departed earlier, but the ending couldn’t have been any better. When a player leaves a club like that, you usually expect the fans to be upset, but he has been a tremendous credit to the club. We wish him all the best.”
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