West Ham United’s future—both as a football club and as tenants at the London Stadium—has come sharply into focus following the departure of Karren Brady.
Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský is expected to move into joint control alongside David Sullivan, signalling the end of a long-standing model that saw Sullivan, Brady and David Gold running the club.
It’s hard to imagine someone with Křetínský’s business background remaining a silent partner. If and when that shift happens, significant changes feel inevitable once the season concludes.
London Stadium deal back under scrutiny
That brings the London Stadium situation straight back into the spotlight.
The agreement—once labelled the “deal of the century”—has come under increasing pressure. Both the London Assembly and Mayor Sadiq Khan have voiced concerns over the terms, and changes in financial regulations have reduced the advantages it once offered.
Clubs like Everton, for example, are now generating around £10 million per season in naming rights alone at the Hill Dickinson Stadium—revenue streams West Ham simply don’t have access to.
Křetínský’s motives could shape the next era
There’s also growing debate around Křetínský’s long-term intentions.
Some believe this is a straight financial investment, with a view to eventually selling the club to flip it. Others think the real play could be leveraging West Ham’s position to gain influence over prime East London real estate.
Either way, it points towards a period of major change.
Big decisions looming for West Ham
In the video, I go into detail on what I believe would be the best outcome for West Ham in Stratford if the takeover does go through at the end of the season.