Daniel Kretinsky lands extra £3bn+ despite West Ham fan unrest
West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky has seen his fortune increase by more than £3billion over the past year.
Kretinsky bought a 27 per cent stake in West Ham for around £170million in 2021 and was expected to pursue a full takeover further down the line.
However, the Czech billionaire hasn’t yet attempted to take the reins at the London Stadium, with chairman David Sullivan still holding the largest stake in the Hammers.
Kretinsky owns around 40 per cent of Czech side Sparta Prague alongside his West Ham shareholding, while his company – Energeticky a Prumyslovy Holding – has £23.45bn worth of assets.
Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index has revealed Kretinsky has seen his personal wealth surge by £3.12bn over the past year to £8.31bn, making him the 300th richest person in the world.
How much could full West Ham takeover be worth?
West Ham have enjoyed the most successful period in the club’s recent history since Kretinsky came on board four years ago.
Under David Moyes, the Hammers qualified for European football in three successive campaigns and won the Conference League in 2023.
However, a potential West Ham takeover has been talked about for several months following the club’s recent struggles on the pitch.
Vanessa Gold, who inherited her father David Gold’s 25.1 per cent stake following his passing in 2023, previously announced her intention to sell her shares.
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider those West Ham shares could be worth up to £250million, valuing the club at around £1bn.
Alongside Gold and Kretinsky’s shares, Sullivan currently holds a 38.8 per cent stake in the Hammers, while Albert “Tripp” Smith retains an eight per cent shareholding at the London Stadium.
West Ham fans protest against David Sullivan and Karren Brady
West Ham’s fan advisory board sent a letter of no confidence to the club’s board in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, West Ham fans protested against their owners before their 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on 20 September, with calls for Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to leave.
Graham Potter, who was appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement in January, has also come under pressure following a poor start to the season.
West Ham sit second bottom in the Premier League table after losing four of their opening five games of the new campaign.
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