Daniel Lewis

Thu 26 October 2023 8:10, UK

Fresh rumours that Sheikh Jassim is interested in purchasing West Ham “remain untrue”, according to Claret & Hugh.

Speculation first mounted that the Qatari billionaire could turn focus to the Irons when Fabrizio Romano reported on 14 October that his takeover of Manchester United had fallen through.

It has more recently been suggested that Sheikh Jassim has purchased property around the London Stadium, adding further fuel to the fire.

However, that speculation was rubbished by site founder Sean Whetstone in an update on Claret & Hugh on Wednesday (25 October).

“New rumours that Qatar could make a takeover bid for West Ham have been recycled again after Sheikh Jassim withdrew from his attempts to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family and remain untrue,” the post read.

“Speculation has been fuelled by the Qatari buying up property around the London Stadium, but in reality, they invest in property across London.”

Whetstone added: “There is no substance to the claims at present and certainly no approach to the club itself.”

No rush

West Ham fans have every right to be excited about becoming the next mega-rich club in the Premier League, but the recent talk must be taken with a pinch of salt.

It is effectively people putting two and two together after Sheikh Jassim was unsuccessful in his attempts to buy Manchester United, with West Ham one of a number of clubs he was previously linked with.

But clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham would likely be higher up on the Qatari’s list of targets, even if Hammers fans would be quick to remind him that United have won a trophy more recently than both of those teams.

Besides, David Sullivan does not look like he is in any desperate rush to sell, and the club are not exactly in a bad financial position right now.

While a takeover may be on the cards one day, it does not look like being anytime soon.

In other West Ham news, David Moyes’ future as manager could depend on an imminent decision the club will make.