The future of Declan Rice at both club and international level has been a key talking point for discussion in east London since the beginning of the season, and another layer of frustration was added to those conversations earlier today.
Indeed, according to a report from the London Evening Standard, Samir Nasri is set to undergo a medical at West Ham United before signing a short-term contract with the club. It’s a decision borne out of pragmatism due to Andriy Yarmolenko’s season-ending injury, and it’s one which has divided opinion right down the middle of the fan-base.
On the one hand Nasri can provide depth, flair and a level of experience at the top level which should hold him in good stead to make a glowing impact, even at 31-years-of-age.
But the flip side is much more damning when placed in the context of Declan Rice’s future at the club. The 19-year-old prodigy has firmly established himself as a fan-favourite and a crucial component of the squad since the beginning of last season, but with his contract due to expire in June 2019 time is running out for the club to secure his future.
That West Ham have failed to agree terms over a new deal represents the club’s biggest problem at this moment in time, so it’s no surprise that reports over Nasri’s reported £80,000 per week contract have stirred plenty of discontent amongst the supporters.
With Nasri approaching the end of his fantastic career and Rice at the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s easy to sympathise with the supporters who have been particularly vocal in their criticism of the board’s looming transfer decision.
Here’s what the Hammers faithful have had to say about their club’s decision to sign Nasri while Rice’s future remains acutely uncertain…
https://twitter.com/AshleyWHUFC/status/1061961145488150528
Declan rice contract?
— dub (@TheWestHamVault) November 12, 2018
What does that say to Rice! Club willing to spend a lot on a bench warmer but won’t pay half the wages to a first team regular! If I was Rice I would hand my transfer request in the day he signs. Going nowhere under these muppets.
— John Rose (@FullersLondon) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/waino57/status/1061976790720282624
It's not a bad deal as in the amount on wages in today's market but sorting this before Rice's contract is an awful decision IMO
— C.Harvey (@Callumharvey92) November 12, 2018
Makes me sick. We can afford this, but we can’t afford to to do more than insult Rice.
— WookiColdBerg (@wookie301) November 12, 2018
How much he gonna earning? Heard 80k, bet Rice is happy.
— John Bloomfield ⚒ (@bloomers02) November 12, 2018
How can the owner pay him 80k a week but not give rice a 40k contract til other players leave ?
— Chris Murphy (@chrismurph1985) November 12, 2018
