He had no reason to sign a new contract. He can wait as long as he wants. The longer it goes, the more money he can demand, its the best thing for him to do. Any businesses or agent will tell him to do that.billybondsballbag wrote: ↑Mon Apr 24, 2023 4:38 pm That's true, but he is a player who has rejected three new contract deals so far and who has made his ambition to play at the highest level known. That is not going to happen at West Ham any time soon, so although the club *can* force him to stay for an extra year, this will be detrimental to all involved. His value will decrease, his performances will deteriorate, and the resentment sown will infect the entire dressing room. It's time to say thank you and goodbye, hopefully with an ECL winner's medal and some great memories.
We have another year which we will take. Its beneficial for the club. Rice has never said he wants to leave, he has never handed in a transfer request. He is slowly becoming a good leader. He hasn't downed tools. He looks so damn happy when we win and so upset when we lose. He cares about this club. He auto picked for England even though at West Ham. He is getting European trophy deep runs at a young age.
Yes he has ambition and bigger teams will come sniffing but right now, he isn't for sale and no one will offer the amount of money that is going to be more useful to us than Rice for 2 more years.
This is all media and talking heads slowly withering down everyone to EXPECT this to happen. The fact is nothing has happened, no bids made, no requests handed in, no Rice comments saying he is leaving or wanting to leave.
This all changes with official quote, transfer request etc, of course, but we aren't there yet.