By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
A fresh Sky News report may finally provide some insight into why Daniel Křetínský’s planned increase in his West Ham shareholding has yet to materialise.
Sky News understands Amanda Staveley is attempting to acquire part or all of the Gold family’s 25.1% stake in the club. However, the report stresses that negotiations are far from certain to succeed and are complicated by pre-emption rights, meaning West Ham’s existing shareholders have first refusal should any shares become available.
A Missing Piece Of The Puzzle?
Back in June, West Ham’s board confirmed that Křetínský was expected to acquire a further tranche of Vanessa Gold’s shareholding, taking his ownership to around 42%.
Since then… nothing.
Plenty of West Ham supporters have been checking Companies House almost daily, expecting to see the ownership structure updated, but there has been no movement whatsoever.
The assumption had been that the Czech billionaire would purchase another 15% of the club, taking him to the magic number on the road to eventual control and strengthening his position within the West Ham ownership structure.
If Sky’s latest information is accurate, though, it could explain why everything appears to have stalled.
More Questions Than Answers
If Amanda Staveley is genuinely trying to acquire all of Vanessa Gold’s holding, then Křetínský may not receive any additional shares from that stake at all.
That doesn’t mean a deal will happen. Sky is careful to point out that talks remain uncertain and existing shareholders have contractual rights that could yet change the outcome.
It’s also worth remembering that David Sullivan remains a significant shareholder, with the ownership picture still evolving despite expectations earlier this summer.
But it is the first report that offers a credible explanation for why a transaction many expected to be completed weeks ago still hasn’t happened.
This feels like a story with plenty more twists to come.
Eddie Howe and Amanda Staveley could be a new pairing at Christmas.
Nuno needs to get his expectations right (60 pts in January) otherwise it could be good bye.
At least Howe has a bit more motivation on the line without going over the top
This is ridiculous. Couple of weeks before season starts – boardroom upside down and no players signed.
A typical West Ham debacle – sort it out !!!