Kieran Maguire: West Ham takeover deal 'very attractive' after what 'I've heard Karren Brady say'
Kieran Maguire has claimed West Ham are a “very attractive proposition” for potential investors with a 10% stake in the club now up for sale.
The finance expert, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested big-money investment would only likely come if a buyer was to get a controlling stake or board representation.
As per Sky News (31 October), a 10% stake of West Ham has been put up for sale by joint-chair Vanessa Gold – whose family owns 25% of the club in total.
The proposed sale, which is likely to value the club at more than £650million, comes after the death of former joint chairman David Gold in January of this year.
Sky News also claim contact has been made with potential investors about a deal.
Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky purchased 27% of the club in 2021, reportedly paying between £180million and £200million.
David Sullivan is the Irons’ largest shareholder with 38.8%.
On the pitch, West Ham are competing in the Europa League and have become an established Premier League club under David Moyes’ management.
Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher: “We’ve heard Karren Brady say historically that the club is worth £800million and perhaps even closer to £1billion.
“I think £650million is a more realistic figure.
“There are huge pluses in investing in West Ham as they have a subsidised stadium, which is effectively being paid for by the taxpayer.
“They have a very loyal fanbase who fill the 60,000-seater stadium. They are also in London – these are all big positives.
“The main issue would be that someone who is looking to put a lot of money in would want a controlling interest, or at the minimum, board representation.
“But West Ham is a very attractive proposition.”
In other news, big update on Moyes potentially quitting West Ham.