West Ham fans explode over official ‘new Declan Rice’ announcement but demand answers

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham have made a major announcement which has many fans excited but others asking one big question.

Money will be tight at West Ham this summer.

The club has already confirmed they can only spend what they raise, with plans in place to try and bring in £100m by offloading several Hammers.

West Ham sorely need a youthful overhaul, particularly up front and in midfield.

That will be Graham Potter’s first port of call this summer and has been reflected in the younger profile of transfer target the Hammers are being linked with.

West Ham fans explode over official ‘new Rice’ announcement

But when Potter arrived at West Ham he made a big point of saying he will be looking to the club’s famed Academy first.

So a major statement from the club has given a hint at what’s to come for the Hammers in central midfield.

West Ham fans are exploding over an official ‘new Declan Rice‘ announcement but are demanding answers.

The Hammers have today announced 21-year-old midfielder Freddie Potts has signed a new long-term deal until at least 2029.

Sporting director Mark Noble called Potts to inform him West Ham were offering him a new contract.

And Potts told the club’s website he was ‘delighted’ to sign it, saying it is a ‘massive moment’ for his career.

Noble also couldn’t hide his delight.

They’re not the only ones either.

Hammers fans have flooded the club’s announcement on social media.

Although many of them are asking the same question about the midfielder, who has been on loan at Wycombe and Portsmouth in the last two seasons.

Potts has been likened to former skipper Rice, not just in the way he plays but even down to his running style and the way he carries himself on the pitch.

In many ways the Hammers had it all with Rice. A brilliant, homegrown captain and player who – by all accounts – was an excellent leader in the dressing room.

Some Hammers fans question Potts plan

Someone supporters could really identify with. Just as they had with Noble before him.

They weren’t bad players either.

Now Hammers fans think they have that again, as they’re convinced Potts is their future captain.

One West Ham fan said: “Great news, he’s our future captain.”

Another Hammer added: “Cracking news. Hopefully, Potter gets Freddie Potts in the first team next season, Rice 2.0.”

A third said: “Fantastic news, can’t wait to see Freddie make his position his own at West Ham.”

Former West Ham star Jack Collison responded too, adding: “Great news – Fantastic player. COYI.”

One supporter even stuck their neck out and said Potts will be even better than Rice.

While many fans were jubilant at the news, others are asking whether it means Potter plans to have him as part of the first team next season.

One West Ham fan remarked: “So does that mean he’s going to be in the first team next season?”

Another asked: “I mean good? But what’s the plan with him?”

A supporter questioned whether Potts is going to be good enough to help West Ham achieve their ambitions.

He said: “We’re striving to be a top six-eight club – are we really sure this is a “hugely positive step”?

“Declan Rice is obviously an exception but was starting for us in the Premiership aged 18.”

A fellow fan replied saying the new Potts deal can only be positive.

“Would you not say it’s positive in terms of getting a highly rated prospect to sign a new deal as opposed to be looking elsewhere? Even if it’s as a sub it saves on having to replace the likes of Rodriquez who I would wager Potts won’t be any worse than.”

One man who does think Potts is good enough to play for West Ham next season is his manager at Portsmouth.

John Mousinho said Potts is ready for West Ham’s first team, describing him as ‘outstanding’.