West Ham sure, Rice will leave this window

West Ham United s Declan Rice celebrates with the Europa Conference League trophy

FOOTBALL West Ham sure, Rice will leave this window

Shafic Kiyaga 21:57 - 08.06.2023

Despite this, the young Englishman has etched his name in West Ham's history books, becoming only the third captain to lift a trophy for the club.

West Ham United, club chairman David Sullivan has revealed his belief that captain Declan Rice is likely to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, appears poised for a new chapter in his career away from London Stadium.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live following West Ham's Europa Conference League victory over Fiorentina, Sullivan expressed his confidence about Rice's potential departure.

"We gave the promise last summer that if he gave us his all, we would let him leave the club," Sullivan stated. "It's a fair and proper thing to do."

Rice's on-field contributions and leadership qualities have caught the attention of numerous clubs, fuelling rumours of a potential move.

Despite this, the young Englishman has etched his name in West Ham's history books, becoming only the third captain to lift a trophy for the club.

The esteemed list includes Bobby Moore, who triumphed in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965, and the iconic Billy Bonds, who guided the Hammers to FA Cup glory in 1975 and 1980.

Having made his debut for West Ham during the 2016-17 season after progressing through the club's academy, Rice has featured in 245 games and scored 15 goals.

He initially represented the Republic of Ireland at the international level before switching his allegiance to England.

With 41 caps for the Three Lions, Rice played in all five matches at the World Cup last year.

While Rice has one year remaining on his contract, West Ham holds the option to extend it until the summer of 2025, placing them in a strong negotiating position to secure a substantial transfer fee.

Sullivan emphasized the club's commitment to conducting business in a proper manner, stating, "We don't want some club having us over, and a replacement is going to cost 50 to 60 million, and they're not going to be as good as him."

In light of West Ham's recent triumph in Prague, Sullivan expressed his elation and highlighted his unwavering faith in manager David Moyes, despite a challenging season that saw the club finish 14th in the Premier League.

He reiterated the club's unwavering support for Moyes, emphasizing their consistent backing during difficult times.

"Whatever you read in the papers, you are our manager, and you will be our manager at the end of the season," Sullivan assured Moyes.

Rice's outstanding performances have earned him recognition beyond West Ham.

The midfiedler was named Uefa Conference League Player of the Year and secured a spot in the Team of the Year alongside notable players such as Alphonse Areola, Nayif Aguerd, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio.