West Ham sources: Significant update on £150m+ Daniel Kretinsky plan ahead of March deadline
Daniel Kretinsky has an active interest in increasing his stake in West Ham with a new £150million investment but it won’t be before the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Czech billionaire currently owns a 27 per cent stake in the Hammers following a deal he completed worth around £180-200million in November 2021.
Kretinsky has the option to take a controlling stake in the club for a set price.
It is understood that the businessman is interested in acquiring the shares of the late former West Ham joint-chairman David Gold, who died in January.
Gold’s estate has 25 per cent share of the east London club, whose biggest stakeholder is David Sullivan – who remains on the board at the London Stadium and in day-to-day control of the club.
Kretinsky’s current share places him as the second-highest shareholder at the club behind Sullivan.
Some have claimed that the 47-year-old could strike a takeover deal soon after the expiry of a windfall tax clause at the London Stadium on 31 March this year.
But Football Insider understands that Kretinsky will wait at least until the end of the campaign before he even considers exercising his option to purchase more shares from either Gold’s estate or co-owner Sullivan.
A £150m+ deal for Gold’s 25 per cent share would take Kretinsky’s stake to 52 per cent and therefore make him the club’s majority shareholder.
The 47-year-old businessman is also the owner of Czech club Sparta Prague.
The agreement between Kretinsky and his colleagues in the Hammers boardroom is known as a ‘put and call’ option and its price does not vary in events such as relegation.
After his initial investment in the club back in 2021, Kretinsky said: “The fan base is one of the reasons why I wanted to become part of the club. West Ham supporters are among the most passionate and knowledgeable about their club and their football anywhere.
“I understand that the move to London Stadium was initially difficult for some, but the atmosphere is incredible.
“Gradual evolution is, in my opinion, the most healthy way to build a strong club on a firm basis and with the right attitudes and culture.”
In other news, Sources: West Ham finalising £7m+ deal before next season