Expert: Daniel Kretinsky's next West Ham move predicted as Staveley door remains open | OneFootball

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has given his verdict on the latest ownership situation at West Ham

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has claimed that Daniel Kretinsky could end up with ultimate control of West Ham in the long run.

The ownership situation at the London Stadium has become quite complicated in recent months, with Amanda Staveley looking to become involved with the club.

The former Newcastle United minority owner has put together a consortium that agreed a deal with Vanessa Gold for the Gold family stake, which is worth around 25 per cent.

However, Kretinsky has pre-emption rights as an existing shareholder, and it’s been reported that he is making use of that to gain control of this portion of the Hammers.

David Sullivan remains as part of the ownership situation as well, but is currently being investigated by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) after fresh allegations emerged regarding his conduct.

It’s possible that the IFR could determine that he is not fit to be a significant shareholder in the club, which could put his shares on the table as well.

Daniel Kretinsky’s next West Ham ownership move predicted

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Borson believes that Kretinsky will become the ultimate owner of West Ham eventually, particularly if the IFR makes a decision regarding Sullivan that brings his stake in the club into play, rather than waiting on the 77-year-old to agree to sell.

However, he claimed that the Czech businessman could also seek a partnership, which could leave the door open for Staveley to still come on board as part of the ownership.

“I don’t think we’re quite there yet in terms of knowing that we’re at the end of the game,” said Borson, via Talksport.

“If you look at the scenario that we have with Sullivan, he’s still under investigation by the police, but also the IFR is seeking further information.

“And they may well decide that he’s not fit to continue as a director, or a significant shareholder, of the club.

“Now if that was to happen, then those shares are then in play.

“You’d think that the work Amanda Staveley and her consortium have done may well put them in place to bid for those shares.

“But I think the likelihood is that we’re on a pathway to Kretinsky being the ultimate owner here, be it now or in due course.

“So I think there’s a chance that, instead of if, for example Kretinsky doesn’t want to spend the money that it’s going to take to take Sullivan out, in that scenario it’s possible he’ll look for a partnership, perhaps with Staveley, or somebody else.

“But I think the most likely endgame is Kretinsky really taking full control of West Ham.”

West Ham’s relegation

West Ham’s valuation has dropped from £700 to £600 million following the £150 million agreement between Gold and Staveley for 25 per cent of the club.

This is one of the consequences of relegation from the Premier League for the Hammers, who finished 18th in the table last season.

The London outfit are targeting promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt, with Nuno Espírito Santo at the helm.

The Irons’ 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night temporarily moved the club into top spot, having played a game more than some of their rivals.

Espírito Santo’s side have earned 11 points from a possible 18 so far, and have won their last three league games in a row.

Next up for West Ham is a home clash against Wrexham on 11 September in an 8pm kick-off.

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West Ham ownership situation needs quick resolution

Kretinsky has been involved with West Ham since November 2021, and he has increased his stake in the club from 27 per cent to roughly 50 per cent, if the agreement with Gold goes through as planned.

This puts him in a strong position to dictate the day-to-day running of the first team squad, as he will become the majority shareholder once the deal is ratified.

But the remaining shares are still up in the air, particularly with the uncertainty around Sullivan, and it’s unlikely that Staveley will go away any time soon either.

If Kretinsky wants a swift resolution to these behind the scenes issues, then he will have to be proactive and secure ultimate control of the Championship side, or else further off-field distractions could hold back West Ham.