Declan Rice has sparked a strong reaction from West Ham supporters after posting an emotional message following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

The midfielder, who captained the Hammers before joining Arsenal in 2023, reacted on social media after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were condemned to the Championship on the final day of the season.

West Ham’s fate was sealed despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United at the London Stadium, with Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Everton ensuring the east London club finished 18th and dropped out of the top-flight for the first time in 15 years.

The timing of it all wasn’t lost on supporters. On the very same day West Ham were relegated, Rice was celebrating the first major trophy of his Arsenal career after helping the Gunners lift the Premier League title, his first trophy since winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023.

A viral clip circulating online appeared to show Rice learning of West Ham’s relegation while waiting for Arsenal’s trophy presentation, with many supporters surprised by how upset he looked in the moment.

Any doubts over how much the club still means to him were then eased further by a heartfelt Instagram post shared afterwards.

Declan Rice Sends Emotional Message To West Ham

Rice made the bond that he still feels towards West Ham abundantly clear, despite now playing for one of their London rivals. After all, this was the club that took him on and gave him a chance when he’d been shown the door at Chelsea as a 14-year-old.

“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated. A club that really does mean so much to me,” Rice wrote.

“As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.”

The England international also backed the Hammers to bounce back quickly, while insisting he would continue supporting the club from afar.

“With that being said, I have no doubt they’ll be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time. I will be supporting always.”

The post immediately prompted a huge reaction from West Ham supporters online, many of whom admitted they’d underestimated how strongly Rice still felt connected to the club.

West Ham Fans React To Declan Rice’s Post

Supporters flooded X with praise for the former captain, with some insisting he should receive a warm reception whenever he next returns to the London Stadium:

One fan wrote: “Any Hammer that boos him should hang their head in shame.”

Another added: “Top player, top man.”

A third supporter posWriting for Claret and Hughted: “The bloke should be greeted with cheers when he comes back.”

Others were equally touched by the timing of the message, especially given Rice is preparing for Arsenal’s Champions League final next weekend. Writing for Claret and Hugh, Martin Treasure said:

Rice’s £100million departure to Arsenal three years ago was always likely to divide opinion among parts of the West Ham fanbase, particularly given the rivalry between the two clubs. However, his latest comments may have softened attitudes considerably.

Many supporters will feel the message served as a reminder that despite trophies, transfers and rivalries, some connections between player and club don’t disappear so easily, even if such loyalty isn’t seen half as much these days.

Crystal Palace are exploring a move to sign one Manchester United star ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Eagles will be preparing for a window in which they’ll be looking to back a new manager.

Oliver Glasner confirmed earlier in the season that he would be leaving the club in the summer, with just one game remaining in charge of the capital club (Europa Conference League final this week) before Glasner embarks on a fresh challenge.

Although Palace have been on an excellent run in Europe, their Premier League form has left a lot to be desired.

The Eagles finished in 15th place, so they will be looking to bring in reinforcements in order to improve domestically next season.

Crystal Palace Plotting Man Utd Move

According to a report from Sports Boom, Crystal Palace are one of the sides interested in making a move to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window.

Sancho’s contract is set to expire this summer, and with no new offer on the table, it looks as though he will be heading through the exit door.

Sancho spent last season on loan at Aston Villa but struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter.

A host of clubs are showing an interest in securing his signature, including those from the Premier League, while Sancho would love to remain with Villa.

Remaining with United certainly feels unlikely for now, but it’s unclear where he could end up heading into the 2026-2027 season.

Wages Could be Issue for Palace

Although bringing in Sancho on a free transfer seems like a financially viable deal for Palace, his wages could be a major stumbling block.

Reports have claimed that Sancho is currently earning £250,000 a week at Manchester United, which would no doubt make him comfortably Palace’s highest earner.

Whether the England international would be willing to drop his wages remains to be seen, but he may be forced to if he’s going to find a move in the Premier League.

Sancho’s form over the last few years doesn’t warrant the current wages that he’s earning, and it could be a big issue for multiple clubs.

Tottenham have held talks to sign one player who is being actively pursued by Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

Beating Liverpool to signings is certainly not going to be easy for Tottenham in the upcoming window, after they narrowly avoided being relegated from the Premier League.

The North London club are going to be without European football next season, which makes it more difficult for them to attract players, especially against sides that are in the Champions League.

Spurs are going to have to be clever with their recruitment. If they are targeting young talents from around the world, they have to offer them more of a pathway to first-team football than their rivals.

Tottenham Hold Young Startlet Transfer Talks

According to a report from Team Talk, Tottenham have held talks with Hertha Berlin youngster Kennet Eichhorn ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Liverpool are one of the leading contenders to sign him if he decides to make a move to England this summer, but Tottenham are waiting patiently.

According to Sky Sports earlier this week, Liverpool opened talks to sign the German youngster, who has a release clause in the region of £10m.

The 16-year-old wonderkid, described as a ‘special’ talent by scout Jacek Kulig, does plan on heading through the exit door in the summer transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether he’s keen on a move to England.

Tottenham Could Struggle in Eichhorn Race

Beating Liverpool to the signing of Eichhorn certainly won’t be easy for Tottenham heading into the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, the German youngster wouldn’t be eligible to play in England just yet due to his age, meaning it would likely be a pre-agreed signing for the future.

If Eichhorn is going to make a decision now, then Liverpool is undoubtedly the more attractive prospect, considering Tottenham were almost relegated this season.

A host of other clubs are also in the race to secure his signature, so it could be a difficult deal for Tottenham to pull off due to the competition.