Amanda Staveley Edges Closer to Securing £150m Stake in West Ham
Amanda Staveley is on the cusp of becoming a shareholder in West Ham United, with negotiations reportedly advancing ahead of the new season.
The British businesswoman, who led the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United in 2021, is looking to acquire a 25% stake previously owned by the late David Gold. This share is currently held by Gold's daughter, Vanessa, and valued at up to £150 million.
The proposed investment has financial backing from a group of investors based in the Middle East and the United States. No official agreement has been announced, but the move would be a significant achievement for Staveley following her departure from Newcastle, where she sold her 10% stake in 2024.
West Ham's existing shareholders have the right of first refusal through a pre-emption process, meaning they can choose to match any offer before shares are sold to an outside investor. This could still delay or even prevent the proposed transaction from being completed.
Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who already owns a 27% share in the club, has agreed to purchase around 16% of the Gold family's holding. However, he reportedly has no intention of becoming West Ham's majority owner.
Current majority shareholder David Sullivan is also an important part of the ownership structure, with a 38.8% stake. His shareholding is currently being reviewed by the Independent Football Regulator following allegations of sexual abuse, which Sullivan has strongly denied.
The proposed investment in West Ham comes after Staveley had been linked with a possible investment in Tottenham Hotspur following her departure from Newcastle. However, her interest in West Ham has now become a major talking point in the football world.
West Ham's ownership structure is set for a shake-up, with Staveley's potential stake adding a new layer of complexity. The Independent Football Regulator will be keeping a close eye on the developments, given the sensitive nature of the existing allegations against Sullivan.
The deal is not yet guaranteed, but Staveley's investment would be a significant boost to West Ham's finances. The club's existing shareholders will need to decide whether to match any offer or allow the proposed transaction to proceed.
The future of West Ham's ownership structure hangs in the balance as negotiations with Staveley continue to progress. The outcome will have significant implications for the club's financial future and its place in the Premier League.
Source: Yahoo Sports