AliousWhile West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face each other on the pitch this Saturday, a more significant contest between the two London rivals is unfolding behind the scenes, centered around financial investment and ownership.
Both clubs have been actively seeking fresh capital injection, with West Ham reportedly one of six Premier League clubs using financial advisers Rothschild and Co to attract new funds amidst stringent Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Tottenham, meanwhile, has been a target for investment from PSG’s Qatari owners over the past year.
West Ham’s ownership landscape changed significantly when Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky acquired a 27% stake in the club for £150 million nearly three years ago. Many supporters hoped this would lead to a full takeover, but recent internal sources have denied such plans.
The focus has now shifted to Amanda Staveley, the businesswoman who played a crucial role in Newcastle United’s takeover. After selling her stake in Newcastle, Staveley has reportedly raised £500 million for investment in another Premier League club. Initially, both West Ham and Tottenham were potential targets for this investment.
However, recent developments suggest Staveley may have chosen Tottenham as her preferred option. Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Staveley is in active talks to invest in Spurs, with discussions apparently progressing to the point where she might even influence managerial decisions if the deal goes through. Nixon mentioned that Staveley, a known admirer of Eddie Howe from her Newcastle days, might consider him for the Tottenham job if Ange Postecoglou’s performance doesn’t improve.
Further evidence of Staveley’s inclination towards Tottenham emerged when she was spotted in a VIP box at Tottenham’s stadium during a recent NFL game. This public appearance at Spurs’ ground has been interpreted as a strong indication of her investment intentions.
For West Ham, this development raises questions about their future ownership structure. The Gold family has been looking to sell at least 10% of their 25% stake in the club for almost a year. Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late David Gold, stated last October that she was seeking ‘the right partner’ to purchase some of their shares, with her father’s legacy being a primary consideration.
The situation leaves West Ham in a state of uncertainty regarding potential new investors. With Kretinsky seemingly not pursuing a full takeover and Staveley apparently leaning towards Tottenham, the Hammers may need to explore other options to secure the investment they seek.
This off-field financial maneuvering underscores the increasing importance of investment and ownership in shaping the future of Premier League clubs. As West Ham and Tottenham prepare to compete on the pitch, the real game-changing moves are happening in boardrooms and financial circles, potentially altering the long-term trajectories of both clubs.
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