Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Daniel Davis

Sun 26 April 2026 17:10, UK

What is this strange emotion that has swept across every corner at West Ham United over the past week or so? Whisper it quietly, but it might be hope.

Saturday’s crucial 2-1 victory against Everton at the London Stadium helped keep the Hammers two points above the relegation zone as they head onto the final Premier League straight, while the confirmation of Karren Brady’s departure hinted at an exciting, new era.

The usual faces are still calling the shots – David Sullivan seemingly has no plans to join his long-term business partner in stepping away – but there is a newfound anticipation that, finally, the tides are turning, this time in the club’s favour.

This feeling was only reinforced by the news that Amanda Staveley, who spearheaded the Saudi consortium’s takeover of Newcastle back in 2021, is putting together a bid to seize control of a Premier League club. Both Newcastle and West Ham are said to be on her radar.

According to Alan Nixon, Staveley is looking to gain support from wealthy backers in America to put together an investment package. Splashing the cash on West Ham looks to be a risk with their top-flight status not secure, but she is known to relish a challenge.

Could Amanda Staveley take over West Ham?

Financier Staveley played a crucial role in transforming Newcastle from the relegation-threatened, fallen giants they became under the much-maligned Mike Ashley to the Champions League heavyweights of today.

Now, she has been tipped to make a return, albeit this time for the whole club.

Nixon has claimed that she is actively “keeping an eye” on the situation at West Ham, too. There are numerous moving parts after Brady’s resignation, and she is unlikely to make any concrete moves until the dust settles. Still, the interest would have pricked up ears.

A takeover would require significant capital and would likely cost more than the £305million paid for Newcastle. West Ham’s premier location in London and their London Stadium venue, despite its drawbacks, will force Staveley to pay an exorbitant amount.

For now, Sullivan is going nowhere, but the sands are gradually shifting.

Brady’s departure after 16 years sent shockwaves across the club, and also allowed Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky to look to match his fellow owner’s level of control. Both figures will buy a portion of the Gold family’s 25.1 per cent stake, and will wield equal power.

Although neither will become the outright majority shareholder, Kretinsky pulling onto level terms is certainly a statement of intent. He is said to have sought greater influence since buying his 27 per cent share in November 2021, and has now seemingly secured it.

Until now, Sullivan had faced little opposition internally over big decisions, making him a lightning rod for supporter fury. This will surely change moving forward. It also cannot be ruled out that Sullivan eventually decides he will step aside for Kretinsky in the near future.

Whether Kretinsky is interested in seizing total control remains to be seen. He rarely conducts interviews and has remained away from the spotlight. Having made his wealth through astute investments, he will know that money talks.

The West Ham door, therefore, is open for Staveley.

Staveley’s leaving Newcastle in July 2024 sent shockwaves through the city. Alongside her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, she had been the figurehead of the Saudi takeover. In her first interviews, she spoke about winning the Premier League within five to 10 years.

Meticulously, she took a hands-on role in enacting sweeping changes at St James’ Park. She actively encouraged employees to explain what they needed, and also invited players to get in touch. She remains a savvy businesswoman who could transform West Ham, too.

Staveley keen to stay in football

Staveley has made no secret of her ambition to take up “great opportunities” elsewhere in football. In 2024, she was unsuccessful with a bid to purchase Tottenham, having been drawn in by the club’s impressive stature and infrastructure, as well as their potential.

Despite being rebuffed, she did not give up. However, if recent reports are to be believed, her attention has now turned to West Ham and Newcastle.

In a twist, though, sources close to the latter have played down claims they are braced for a bid from Staveley, according to Chronicle Live. That seemingly leaves the Hammers as her only remaining choice, but even then, any deal threatens to be incredibly complicated.

For now, supporters will have to wait patiently for potential progress, hopeful that Sullivan will belatedly see the light and hand over the club to exciting new ownership.