West Ham United picked up their first trophy in 43 years by winning the Europa Conference League against Fiorentina, with Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute equaliser helping them win 2-1 within 90 minutes. There has been a lot of speculation about the future of the club, especially following their disappointing Premier League campaign in 2022/23 where they finished 14th after avoiding a relegation battle.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has provided more clarity on what the future of the club holds. And as a result, there is a lot to take away from the fallout of their first European trophy win.
Fans need to be cautioned after violent conduct
In the very first half, Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi suffered a head injury after West Ham United fans threw cups at Fiorentina players when they were taking corners. Biraghi was bleeding profusely after a cup hit him, which caused the referees to finally take note of the situation.
The West Ham players went on to plead to their fans to stop behaving that way, and it is expected that UEFA will launch an investigation into the matter. Fiorentina suffered their second final defeat in the span of a few weeks, comin up short against Inter in the Coppa Italia while also losing to West Ham in the finals of the Europa Conference League. They will be heartbroken at having also missed out on European football next season, finishing eighth in Serie A. As a result, it will be a summer of regrouping and investment for the Viola to build on their progress this season.
David Moyes to stay in charge in 2023/24 after Europa Conference League win
There was a lot of speculation about the future of David Moyes and whether or not he would be staying as the manager of West Ham next season. But after winning his first ever trophy, he will be managing the club next season as well. Moyes has managed 1,097 games and waited 25 years to lift his first ever trophy. And in the process, he has become the first British manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to lift a European trophy since 2008.
The Hammers have now qualified for next season’s Europa League as well, and will have a chance to build on their success this season.
Declan Rice to seal big money move this summer
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Declan Rice will be leaving the club this summer. The midfielder is a top target for Arsenal, as well as Bayern Munich. And now that their season is over, a concrete offer can be expected.
Read More: Declan Rice transfer news latest updates.
The chairman also revealed that Rice turned down a £200,000 contract 18 months ago to seal a transfer away. And after their verbal agreement, he will now be allowed to get the move that he wants. West Ham United are now searching for players to replace their captain, and are likely to sanction the transfer once they have found players to fill in the defensive midfield position that Rice played so brilliantly in.
