Kieran Maguire rubbishes full West Ham takeover claim as new Daniel Kretinsky details emerge
Daniel Kretinsky may still be happy with his minority stake in West Ham contrary to reports about a potential full takeover following the death of co-owner David Gold.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Hammers announced the passing of Gold, 86, on Wednesday (4 December).
Lifelong supporter Gold owned 25 per cent of the club, and that stake is now expected to pass his family.
Per The Times, Gold’s death is expected to speed up a full takeover of the Hammers by Czech billionaire Kretinsky, who bought 27 per cent of the club’s shares in November 2021.
The deal comes with the option of a full takeover after the expiration of a windfall tax clause at the London Stadium in April this year.
But a source told Football Insider in December that Kretinsky is concentrating his financial firepower elsewhere and is not currently in a hurry to execute a full takeover.
Maguire also suggests that the 47-year-old may be happy with his minority stake and that any reports otherwise are simply “rumours.”
“There is only speculation at present about what the Gold family are likely to do with his investment in the club,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Sullivan still had a much bigger share than Gold. It would appear that Sullivan still wants to have a significant interest in decision-making at West Ham.
“So, all we have at the moment is speculation and rumour with regards to a full Kretinsky takeover.
“Kretsinsky himself does have other significant investments that he will spend plenty of his time dealing with. That could mean that he will continue to be happy with a minority stake.
“In respect of any potential delays in operational matters, I can’t see anything happening before the April deadline.“
In other news, pundit tells West Ham to brace for Declan Rice bids this month as multiple clubs circle.