West Ham takeover: ‘US investors’ make bid decision – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has suggested relegation fears at West Ham will put off potential investors.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed takeover interest will “heat up” if the Irons look on course to finish in mid-table this term.
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (21 November) that West Ham are “available” to bidders and he expects takeover movement in the new year.
But the Irons have struggled for form in the 2024-25 campaign under Julen Lopetegui and sit 14th in the table after 14 games.
The struggles come just 18 months after the club won the Uefa Conference League under David Moyes.
West Ham takeover ‘difficult’ amid on-pitch struggles, says Wyness
Wyness claimed a takeover will be “difficult” to complete this season if the club are still around the danger zone in the spring.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Any major investor, particularly coming from the United States, will be worried about relegation at West Ham.
“We know that’s a big Dracula’s Cross situation, especially for American investors.
“It’s an unknown quantity.
“There was a group I know looking at West Ham four or five years ago, when they were last close to relegation.
“They managed to survive and stay up, but the investor lost interest – because it’s just too big of a risk.
“If they drop further, and they’re in the danger zone around Easter – it will be difficult for anyone to look at.
“If they can put together a solid string of results, there’s no reason why they can’t be mid-table – and investor interest will heat up when that comes.”
In other news, West Ham in Lopetegui sack talks today.
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