- Former Newcastle United owner Amanda Staveley linked with West Ham takeover
- David Sullivan buying more shares at Hammers
- Could Staveley return to Tyneside instead?
Former Newcastle United minority owner Amanda Staveley is reportedly putting together a group of financial backers to pursue West Ham following Karen Brady’s departure last week.
However, if the current Saudi owners were to pull out of the Magpies — as recent reports suggested when they were linked with moving away from LIV Golf — a return to Tyneside could become a possibility. This is further supported by news that David Sullivan has confirmed he will match co-owner Daniel Kretinsky’s stake to take his share beyond 40 per cent.
Journalist Alan Nixon reports that, for now, Staveley’s group would favour a move for the Hammers, with the consortium leaning towards the capital but that the businesswoman ‘could’ push to be working at Newcastle again.
Amanda Staveley has a decision to make
Staveley was heavily involved in both the Abu Dhabi-backed purchase of Manchester City in 2008 and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s buyout of Newcastle several years ago.
She appears keen to return to the Premier League with a move to buy the Hammers from Sullivan, but Hammers News spoke to a senior club spokesperson who provided an update on the situation.
When asked whether Sullivan would entertain any offers, they said: “No, Sullivan would not entertain selling (to Staveley). Mr Sullivan is buying more shares, not selling.”
The current Hammers owner remains a controversial figure among the fanbase and has regularly faced calls to step aside to help the club progress.
Broken promises to supporters regarding team ambition, along with the move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium, have seen the club flirt with relegation on several occasions over the past decade.
With Sullivan seemingly unmoved, Staveley may may be forced to switch her path to a potential Tyneside return. There is just one complication — the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s eventual sale is not imminent.
PIF still back Newcastle United project
Back in 2021, PIF paid £305 million to take the club out of Mike Ashley’s hands. Since then, there has been clear progress on the pitch, while revenues have grown to record Premier League levels.
Although the club can appear in disarray at times, one strong decision or season could quickly restore belief as they push towards becoming one of the biggest clubs in football.
Profit and Sustainability rules have slowed that progress, but they are more of a delay than a barrier. An update from journalist George Caulkin last week suggested the club are still working towards reaching their full “potential”.
This ultimately leaves Staveley and her consortium with two options: pay significantly more than the 2021 valuation, or accept that the club is simply not for sale.
The Toon Army would no doubt welcome her return, but doors could be shutting for Staveley both at West Ham and Newcastle United.
In other news, ‘Woman On A Mission’: Newcastle United fan takes on Gateshead Half Marathon in heartfelt quest.
