‘It’s crazy’ – West Ham to match Aston Villa as £25m+ deal edges closer
West Ham are fighting for Premier League survival following their miserable first half of the season.
West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on Saturday (20 December), leaving them third bottom in the Premier League and five points from safety.
The disappointing on-field performances have led to West Ham fans protesting against the board, with calls for majority shareholder David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to leave the club.
While that doesn’t appear likely in the immediate future, a sale is set to take place at the London Stadium.
Claret and Hugh reported on 13 December West Ham are expected to complete the sale of a 49 per cent stake in their women’s team to Monarch Collective at a valuation of around £55million, handing the club close to £27m.
West Ham sale to receive Premier League approval
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the sale of West Ham Women will be at the same valuation as Aston Villa Women were sold earlier this year.
Aston Villa completed the sale of their women’s team over the summer to help them avoid a profit and sustainability (PSR) breach.
Chelsea were the first club to sell their women’s team in the summer of 2024, while Everton have also taken the same approach.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the West Ham women’s team sale, Borson said: “I mean, £55m is the very defensible level that I think has been used now by both Villa and Everton. Certainly, there or thereabouts.
“I think from memory, Villa’s was £55m exactly. They probably just said, ‘Well, we know we’re going to have no issues at all getting approval from the Premier League at £55m, so we should do it at that level’. That wouldn’t be a big surprise.”
There have been questions asked about West Ham’s PSR position following a difficult couple of seasons on the pitch.
West Ham to take advantage of Premier League loophole
Borson insisted it’s “crazy” the Premier League hasn’t been able to close the loophole on clubs selling their women’s team as the Hammers look to seal the deal with Monarch Collective.
“It would generate some upside from the PSR perspective in the final PSR season,” said Borson.
“It’s the final time that they can benefit from that. I think that’s probably what’s driving it. I think it’s crazy that sort of way of meeting PSR wasn’t closed, but those are the rules.
“If you had any risk at all of a breach, why wouldn’t you give yourself a little bit of extra leeway by doing a deal in respect to the women’s team?”
Meanwhile, West Ham are expected to agree new signings in the upcoming January transfer window as they look to avoid relegation this season.
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