TalkSport pundit and former Premier League club owner Simon Jordan has given his thoughts on news surrounding potential investment of West Ham United.
Reports in recent days have suggested that the Hammers could be in line for a new injection of funds, with Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky in talks to buy a 27% stake in the club which would reportedly in turn set the value of the club at £600m.
The Guardian note that current owners David Gold and David Sullivan “would welcome investment from a minority shareholder who can inject funds as they try to build on the progress made under David Moyes in the past two seasons.”
Speaking about the matter on TalkSport (1:03), Jordan gave his assessment of the reported investment and whether or not Gold and Sullivan should accept it, stating that based on some of the abuse that come their way in recent years he might be tempted to take the money and run, but did also note that there is also the potential for the club to become more valuable in the future based on what they’ve done recently:
“If I had listened to what they’ve listened to, I would run like a bandit. Because some of it is fair comment, and some of it is not. They’re never going to change the perspective of people, it will always be, the team will be successful, we’ll support the team we’ll support David Moyes, but David Gold and David Sullivan can [go away] as far as the fans are concerned.
“So if their motivation was to own a football club which paid them back and gave them a big fat turn, as well as the fact that it was a club they purport to support. Then they’re in that territory now.
“But I think that if West Ham can continue to progress and continue to build the stadium up to 62,000, build themselves up as a football club, then £600m valuation may well be below the level that football clubs can attract.”
TIF Thoughts on Simon Jordan’s comments about West Ham United, David Gold and David Sullivan
Will European football damage West Ham in the Premier League this season?
Yes
No
It should be noted that the Guardian report does state that “sources have played down suggestions that a deal would automatically lead to Kretinsky buying out Sullivan and Gold”, so this investment wouldn’t automatically lead to Kretinsky being in sole control of the club.
But as Jordan rightly points out, if West Ham are able to continue their recent upward progression under Moyes and develop the club further with things like the expansion of the stadium, then their value should only go up further and further.
So it certainly is an interesting position for Gold and Sullivan to find themselves in, and one that could hold big ramifications for West Ham United going forward, so you can certainly understand why they might not rush into a decision either way just yet.
In other news: TalkSPORT man hints star could make exciting return to West Ham