A fresh development has surfaced in West Ham United’s ownership saga, with Daniel Kretinsky reportedly exploring ways to prevent Amanda Staveley from acquiring a significant stake in the club.
According to reports from The Times, the former Newcastle United co-owner has reached an agreement worth approximately £150–160 million to purchase a 25.1 percent shareholding in the Championship side.
The proposed deal has been struck with Vanessa Gold, who oversees the Gold family’s stake following the passing of David Gold in 2023.
However, Football.London reports that Kretinsky had already arranged earlier this summer to acquire part of the Gold family’s shares, a move that would have increased his holding to around 43 percent and positioned him as the club’s largest shareholder. That plan is now under threat due to Staveley’s involvement.
Instead, the Czech billionaire is assessing every available option as he seeks to avoid the u
ncertainty that could come with Staveley joining the ownership structure.
West Ham are currently preparing for life in the Championship after suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
Kretinsky Exploring Alternatives Amid Staveley Interest
As reported by The Times, Kretinsky has sold two percent of his West Ham shares to fellow Czech businessman Jakub Havrlant, reducing his stake to 25 percent.
The move is believed to be aimed at avoiding a scenario in which his ownership surpasses 50 percent, a threshold that could potentially force him into purchasing David Sullivan’s shares at a significantly inflated valuation.
Kretinsky first invested in the Hammers in November 2021, securing a 27 percent stake. If his current strategy succeeds, he could eventually emerge as the club’s controlling owner.
Although Staveley has agreed terms to buy the Gold family’s 25.1 percent holding, the transaction remains subject to pre-emption rights, which allow existing shareholders the first opportunity to match any offer.
Should Kretinsky decide not to exercise those rights, reports suggest Staveley’s takeover bid could be completed within days.
Many supporters believe Staveley could bring fresh ambition to the club, particularly if she later succeeds in acquiring Sullivan’s stake and gains greater influence over West Ham’s future direction.
The Hammers begin their Championship campaign on 16 August with an away trip to Burnley.
West Ham Ownership Battle Growing Increasingly Complicated
Kretinsky originally planned to acquire only part of the Gold family’s stake, but Staveley’s arrival has dramatically altered the landscape.
If he wishes to keep her out of the ownership group, he may now need to purchase the entire 25.1 percent shareholding rather than just a portion of it, making the situation far more complex and financially demanding.
While Kretinsky’s long-term objective may be to secure majority control, delaying that step could make financial sense, particularly with the club still needing significant investment in its playing squad.
West Ham have yet to complete any major signings this summer, and the uncertainty surrounding ownership is likely contributing to the lack of transfer activity.
Kretinsky was recently credited with playing an important role in convincing Jarrod Bowen to remain at the club, highlighting the influence he already possesses behind the scenes.
In the long run, that established presence at the London Stadium could prove more significant than any impact Staveley might bring if she successfully enters the ownership picture.
