West Ham United chairman David Sullivan Confirms Declan Rice Imminent Exit

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice will be leaving the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Rice played his final match for the Hammers in their UEFA Europa Conference League victory over Fiorentina on Wednesday, June 7.

Having joined West Ham as a youth player from Chelsea in 2014, Rice has made a significant impact at the club. Since his promotion to the first team in 2017, the Englishman has accumulated 245 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists.

While Rice was previously linked with a move last summer, Sullivan has now affirmed that the player's departure is imminent. Speaking to talkSPORT after the Conference League final win, Sullivan stated, "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 move on, and we have to find a replacement or several replacements."

Sullivan also addressed the offers for Rice, stating that while no official bids have been received yet, he expects them to start coming in. He emphasized that clubs should refrain from making offers while West Ham is still involved in competitive matches, as it goes against the principles of respectable clubs.

Although Arsenal is reported to be leading the race for Rice's signature, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder.

In the Conference League final held at the Eden Arena in Prague, West Ham secured victory against Fiorentina. Said Benrahma's penalty kick in the 62nd minute gave the Hammers the lead, but Fiorentina quickly equalized through Giacomo Bonaventura. However, a late left-footed strike from Jarrod Bowen in the 90th minute secured the title for West Ham.

Rice addressed the ongoing speculation about his future after the match, expressing uncertainty and stating his commitment to West Ham. He mentioned having two years left on his contract and acknowledged that the final decision rests with the club.

While Rice's departure seems likely, he has shown respect for his current club, and his focus remains on his contractual obligations with West Ham for the time being.