It is time to start a new West Ham thread, for what looks like it may be one of the most pivotal periods for the club since the Icelandic banking collapse.
Let's start at the top:
Ownership- David Sullivan remains the largest shareholder at about 39%, Newest investor Daniel Kretinsky sits at just under 28% (with rumors that his buy-in included options to buy more at set times), the estate of the late David Gold holds 25% while Tripp Smith holds 8% and 1% is held by various others. There have not been many rumors recently of any major change (the Gold estate liquidating their share, or Kretinsky buying out Sullivan) and Sullivan certainly isn't acting like he plans to sell up so expect much the same.
Manager- Sullivan has stated that David Moyes will be back.... if he wants to. An interesting phrasing, there have been some rumors that now that he finally has the trophy that long eluded him, Moyes may decide that a return to Scotland and the Celtic job, and Sullivan's choice of words may indicate the would be allowed to leave if Celtic came calling.
Players:
West Ham have 4 players out of contract:
1. Vladimir Coufal- but a 2 year option which seems likely to be exercised
2. Manuel Lanzini- also has an option, likely to be exercised
3. Aaron Cresswell- unclear if he'll return, a set piece specialist, good delivery, but simply doesn't bring much defending or in attack and 33
4. Antonio Ogbonna- 35 year old CB... could be back on the cheap, but age and injury make him a depth piece, he may choose to go somewhere he can still play (Italy?)
The big one... Transfers likely outgoing
1. Declan Rice- Sullivan confirmed he'll be allowed to leave, frontrunners include Arsenal and Munich, with price rumors in the 90M+ range (also some rumors West Ham might take a cash and player swap deal)
2. Scamacca- a big signing less than a year ago, struggled mightily in Moyes system. If Moyes is back Scamacca is likely gone.
3. Nikola Vlasic- major disappointment, loaned to Torino, will likely be either loaned or sold.
4. Ben Johnson- former rising youngster, he's fallen a bit out of favor and with his deal expiring in 2024 a potential sale.
WIll come back to add targets and the like later.
Let's start at the top:
Ownership- David Sullivan remains the largest shareholder at about 39%, Newest investor Daniel Kretinsky sits at just under 28% (with rumors that his buy-in included options to buy more at set times), the estate of the late David Gold holds 25% while Tripp Smith holds 8% and 1% is held by various others. There have not been many rumors recently of any major change (the Gold estate liquidating their share, or Kretinsky buying out Sullivan) and Sullivan certainly isn't acting like he plans to sell up so expect much the same.
Manager- Sullivan has stated that David Moyes will be back.... if he wants to. An interesting phrasing, there have been some rumors that now that he finally has the trophy that long eluded him, Moyes may decide that a return to Scotland and the Celtic job, and Sullivan's choice of words may indicate the would be allowed to leave if Celtic came calling.
Players:
West Ham have 4 players out of contract:
1. Vladimir Coufal- but a 2 year option which seems likely to be exercised
2. Manuel Lanzini- also has an option, likely to be exercised
3. Aaron Cresswell- unclear if he'll return, a set piece specialist, good delivery, but simply doesn't bring much defending or in attack and 33
4. Antonio Ogbonna- 35 year old CB... could be back on the cheap, but age and injury make him a depth piece, he may choose to go somewhere he can still play (Italy?)
The big one... Transfers likely outgoing
1. Declan Rice- Sullivan confirmed he'll be allowed to leave, frontrunners include Arsenal and Munich, with price rumors in the 90M+ range (also some rumors West Ham might take a cash and player swap deal)
2. Scamacca- a big signing less than a year ago, struggled mightily in Moyes system. If Moyes is back Scamacca is likely gone.
3. Nikola Vlasic- major disappointment, loaned to Torino, will likely be either loaned or sold.
4. Ben Johnson- former rising youngster, he's fallen a bit out of favor and with his deal expiring in 2024 a potential sale.
WIll come back to add targets and the like later.