Qatar investment in West Ham United eyed after £5bn Manchester United bid fails as Vanessa Gold puts shares on sale
There are “insiders” at West Ham who believe the sale of 10% of the club’s shares will attract a bid from Qatar, according to The Times.
The paper reported via their website on 31 October that with Vanessa Gold willing to sell part of her holding it has already “drawn interest from international investors”.
After Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani’s failed £5billion bid to buy Manchester United there is tipped to be an approach from Qatar for the slice of the Hammers.
Following the death of her father David in January joint-chair Gold announced on 31 October she would “consider” selling part of her share in the club.
According to The Times she may even sell her entire 25% shareholding “if the price is right”.
Investment
With the passing of David Gold in January and then the expiry of a the 10-year penalty clause attached to the sale of the club in March there has been plenty of speculation around the ownership of the club this year.
It appears that David Sullivan, who holds the largest share with just under 39%, doesn’t have plans to go anywhere, while Daniel Kretinsky, who has 27%, also looks like he is staying put.
Clearly there is interest from Qatar to get involved in the Premier League considering the huge amount of money that was reportedly put up to take over at Old Trafford.
But given the circus around the Glazers’ ownership it might be a cheap and easy alternative to acquire a share of West Ham instead.
What that might mean in practice for the manager and the team is difficult to say, as such a small holding wouldn’t give control that would lead to material changes being made.
It looks like changes are afoot at the London Stadium and Qatari interest is not the only possibility so it remains to be seen who is successful, if anyone.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are looking to sign an England international who his club are trying to sell midseason.