02 November 2023 , 06:26
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West Ham United could be about to present Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani with a route into Premier League football after his failure to purchase Manchester United, it has been claimed.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim was among the frontrunners for a United takeover after the Glazer family revealed in November 2022 that they were open to potential investment. Unlike fellow bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he was keen on a full takeover rather than taking a smaller stake.
Ultimately, Ratcliffe looks to have won out, with the INEOS chief waiting for his investment to be formalised. Further south, though, developments around West Ham's ownership may well leave the door open for Sheikh Jassim.
According to The Sun, the Sheikh could move for Vanessa Gold's shares after previously showing interest in West Ham. Gold took control of her father David's stake in the club following his death in January, but is now open to selling a portion of her holding.
“I would consider selling a proportion of our shares to the right partner. I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United, David Sullivan, Daniel Křetínský and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive," Gold, who owns around 25 percent of the club, said in a statement.
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“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United. I have appointed Rothschild & Co to advise us on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the Club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”
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Sheikh Jassim could end up turning his attentions to West HamWest Ham's ownership is split between a number of owners, with more than half belonging do David Sullivan and the Gold family following their 2010 takeover. Sullivan owns just shy of 39 percent, but the Hammers also took significant investment from Czech billionaire Kretinsky in 2021.
The Hammers sit ninth in the Premier League table after 10 matches, one point and one place below Manchester United. Unlike Erik ten Hag's side, though, David Moyes' men remain in the Carabao Cup following Wednesday night's action.
Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen scored second-half goals to add to an own goal from Ben White as West Ham beat Arsenal 3-1 at the London Stadium. Erik ten Hag's United, meanwhile, fell to a limp 3-0 loss at home to Newcastle - their second successive game without finding the net.
West Ham's next game comes away to Brentford, before they welcome Olympiacos to East London in the Europa League. Ten Hag's side are also in the capital over the weekend, travelling to Fulham, before jetting off to Copenhagen for an important Champions League group game.