Simon Jordan: Declan Rice will leave West Ham in 2022 if £100m offer arrives
Simon Jordan has moved to dampen expectations at West Ham by warning supporters that their good form will not last forever.
The ex-Crystal Palace owner, speaking via talkSPORT [01/10/21] the morning after the Irons beat Rapid Wien 2-0 in the Europa League, also believes star midfielder Declan Rice is likely to be gone by next season.
He said: “Pretty soon, when they start losing some games, which they inevitably will, up will pop the GSB crowd telling everyone how much they loathe the owners.
“You’ve just beaten a team that is stinking their own league out, so with due respect, let’s get some context.
“Let’s not get carried away. They’re [West Ham] not going to get into the top four, they’re having a nice little journey in Europe, their fans are quiet at this time and not moaning and [expletive] about their owners about how much they hate their stadium.
“But this isn’t the West Ham show, we aren’t sitting here as glowing admirers of West Ham.
“I guarantee you if Declan Rice keeps on performing the way he is, when a £100million bid comes in next year, he’ll be leaving West Ham, so we’ll see how this moment in the sun continues to develop for West Ham.”
Ride the wave
West Ham fans are enjoying a new lease of life under David Moyes, and why shouldn’t they talk up the best team they have seen in recent times? There’s an argument to be had that this is their best side of the 21st century.
There have been relegations and stints in the second-tier over the last 20 years, with the Irons often flattering to deceive.
But there appears to be an element of consistency in their play now, and they are firm contenders to launch another European push in the Premier League, with a shot at the top four not out of the question.
It’s unlikely, and of course, it will only take a few injuries in key areas to derail their season, but what’s the point in being a supporter if you can’t dream and bask in your current success? This seems like a cheap shot from Jordan, someone who counts Karren Brady as a close ally.
In other West Ham news, Mark Lawrenson has predicted their scoreline against Brentford on Saturday.
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