Daniel Kretinsky influence grows at West Ham in big transfer twist – sources
Daniel Kretinsky and his 1890 Holdings consortium are gaining an increasingly influential say in managerial and transfer decisions at West Ham, sources tell Football Insider.
The Czech investors are said by sources to have been key in David Moyes’ exit and in the imminent arrival of Julen Lopetegui as his successor.
David Sullivan, 75, and Baroness Karren Brady, 55, are widely considered by fans to be the main decision-makers at the London Stadium, but sources say the influence of second-largest shareholder Kretinsky is growing.
Kretinsky, 48, and 1890 Holdings own 27 per cent of West Ham United, with Sullivan owning the largest stake of 38.8 per cent, Vanessa Gold on behalf of the Family Trust owning 25.1 per cent and WHU LLC owning 8.0 per cent, with other investors making up the other 1.1 per cent. (West Ham official website)
The Czech group began their investment in the Hammers in 2021 as they completed an acquisition of 27 per cent of the club’s shares.
Daniel Kretinsky influence growing at West Ham
Sources also tell Football Insider that then Czech directors were also key to Tim Steidten winning a season-long power struggle with Moyes.
As the club’s second-largest shareholder, 1890 Holdings is an influential presence in the running of the club and key decisions including the manager’s future.
Football Insider revealed that Lopetegui is set to take over from Moyes at the end of the season, and sources now say the Czech pushed the decision through.
Sullivan’s control, meanwhile, remains the strongest on the West Ham board.
However, the chairman has come under fire in recent months after vocally speaking out against the proposed independent regulator of the Premier League, as Football Insider shared.
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