West Ham United takeover picture becomes clearer after Adam Crafton update
Rumours of Sheikh Jassim potentially being interested in purchasing West Ham appear to have been put to bed following an update from Adam Crafton.
The mega-rich Qatari saw a bid for Manchester United fall through earlier this month, leading to suggestions that he could instead turn his focus to another Premier League club.
Speaking on the Stretford Paddock podcast in July, BBC reporter Simon Stone namechecked the Hammers as a possible team of interest for Sheikh Jassim.
However, in an article for The Athletic on Friday (27 October), Crafton claimed that is not the case.
“Representatives of Sheikh Jassim insist he does not intend to buy a different football club,” Crafton said.
The reliable journalist did add that a proxy for Qatar may potentially look to invest in a Premier League club, but that would be further down the line.
While the thought of millions of extra pounds being pumped into the club was an exciting one, nobody realistically expected Sheikh Jassim to turn his attention to West Ham.
Anyway, the Hammers are not exactly in a bad position right now, having just splashed out over £100million on new players – albeit offset by the departure of Declan Rice – on the back of winning a European trophy.
Results may have dropped off in recent weeks, but United still remain competitive in the Premier League and are in with a shot of winning the Europa League this season.
It may well be that an offer comes forward from a Qatari investor – or investors – in the future, but that will not come in the form of Sheikh Jassim.
It was a nice thought while it lasted.
In other West Ham news, Roshane Thomas has shared information on David Moyes’ future at the London Stadium.