if we do not buy Rice next summer, or at the absolute latest, 2024, I will rapidly start to lose interest
if summer 2024 comes and goes with no move (almost impossible, ((unless he goes full Hammer perma bitch and renews)), as his contract expires in mid 2025 due to an extra year option) then fuck it, as buying him in 2025 means only 3 sub 30yo seasons left, and he plays A LOT, so that mileage will pile up
I would, obviously, take him on a free in summer 2025, but buy........, not a chance (as if he renews, West ham will surely want close to £150m or so in 2025 (barring major injuries between then and now). as he will 'only' be 26yo) .... only 3 full sub 30yo seasons for a DMF is NOT worth £150m