‘West Ham set for full takeover’ – club insider shares update
West Ham are once again the subject of takeover speculation with a dismal 2024-25 campaign set to draw to a close in the coming weeks.
As per club insider ExWHUEmployee, via The West Ham Way (9 May), a wealthy American has been preparing to make an offer for David Gold’s shares of the club – with the family stake believed to be just over 25%.
David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith also own big stakes in the London Stadium club.
Vanessa Gold, who inherited the 25% stake after father David’s passing in 2023, has already announced her intention to sell her shares.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed any US investor will want to take a majority stake and seize control of West Ham.
Mystery US investor set for Sullivan and Kretinsky talks, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick could be the one preparing a takeover bid.
West Ham’s current ownership have drawn criticism for their running of the club and the controversial move into the London Stadium .
Wyness claimed any potential investor will talk to major shareholders Sullivan and Kretinsky to gauge their interest in a majority takeover.
| Position | Club | GP | Pts | GD |
| 13 | Everton | 36 | 42 | -5 |
| 14 | Wolves | 36 | 41 | -13 |
| 15 | West Ham | 36 | 40 | -17 |
| 16 | Man United | 36 | 39 | -11 |
| 17 | Tottenham | 36 | 38 | +4 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “When David Gold passed away his daughter inherited the shares.
“She’s been public about wanting to sell her stake.
“It’s a much bigger picture with Daniel Kretinsky and David Sullivan. It could come down to whether they all want to move on at once.
“The potential US owner – and the former Activision Blizzard CEO seems to be the one in the frame from what I’ve heard – won’t make that move for Gold’s shares without talking to the other two.
“I think it will only be a full takeover if any investment is going to happen.”
West Ham plan to sign Areola upgrade
Football Insider revealed on 11 May that Graham Potter wants to sign Aaron Ramsdale this summer to improve his goalkeeping options.
West Ham see the 27-year-old as an upgrade on Alphonse Areola despite his relegation with Southampton.
Ramsdale has a relegation release clause in his contract, with multiple Premier League clubs understood to be considering making a move to sign him this summer.
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