David Sullivan, the chairperson for West Ham, divulged that Declan Rice relinquished a sum of £10m in salary to extend his tenure at the club for an additional season.
Declan Rice’s Departure from West Ham
In a recent revelation, David Sullivan, West Ham’s chairman, confirmed that Declan Rice, the renowned England international, will finally part ways with the club. In a memorable farewell, Rice hoisted the Europa Conference League trophy in Prague, marking his presumed final appearance in a Hammers’ jersey, by securing a victory over Fiorentina. Contrarily, it’s suggested that Rice’s exit from London Stadium would have occurred a year earlier, but he chose to stay upon the insistence of the club management.
Sullivan disclosed that the player rejected an extension offer that would have seen his contract surpass 2024, thereby foregoing £200,000 weekly. As a result, Rice’s decision to remain at West Ham saw him forgo around £10m in wages. “Rice’s departure wasn’t our preferred outcome. Our club made a generous offer of £200,000 weekly about 18 months ago, which he declined. During his extended stay, he has lost about £10m in potential earnings. But his determination to leave is strong. Retaining a player against their wishes isn’t feasible,” Sullivan expressed in his conversation with talkSPORT.
Transfer Speculation and Potential Suitors
Media outlets have reported that Arsenal is formulating a £90m ($112m) offer for Rice, keen on outdoing Manchester United in the pursuit. Simultaneously, Bayern Munich has also expressed interest in the player, with Thomas Tuchel expressing high regard for him. Nevertheless, Sullivan clarified that none of these clubs has made a formal bid yet. He anticipates such offers to commence soon, now that West Ham’s season has officially concluded.
Sullivan said, “As of now, we haven’t received any offers. However, I believe the proposals will begin to flow today. Several clubs, about three or four, have expressed interest. Still, in line with respect towards West Ham, offers for players aren’t made while we are still in the season. This isn’t how respectable clubs operate.”
The Summer Transfer Window
The official commencement of the summer transfer window is on June 14. It is expected that the speculation concerning Rice’s future will undoubtedly intensify as the summer progresses.
Declan Rice: A Retrospective on the Pitch
In his formative years at West Ham, Declan Rice was a promising figure. Initially a centre-back, he gradually shifted to a defensive midfield role where his potential was fully unveiled.
Standout Performances
Rice displayed tremendous maturity beyond his years. His performances against top Premier League teams were noteworthy, showcasing his knack for breaking up play, strategic positioning, and impressive ball distribution. His defensive contributions were often pivotal in several of West Ham’s key victories.
Consistent Excellence
Rice’s consistency was commendable. Throughout several seasons, he rarely had a dip in form, remaining a stalwart in West Ham’s lineup. His command over the midfield and knack for controlling the pace of the game often proved instrumental in gaining favorable outcomes for his team.
Leadership on the Field
In the 2020-2021 season, Rice was named the club captain, a testament to his leadership qualities. He guided his team with great diligence, inspiring his teammates to elevate their performance levels. In conclusion, Declan Rice’s past performances left an indelible imprint on West Ham, making him one of the club’s most valuable players.