Daniel Kretinsky’s claims from an insider will please and infuriate West Ham fans to the same extent as the transfer countdown.
Kretinsky arrived at West Ham last November amid much excitement as he became the club’s second largest shareholder after buying 27% of the Hammers for around £150m.
There have been numerous complaints since the likes of The evening norm that Kretinsky will seek to finalize a full takeover at West Ham.
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This perspective is simply not on the cards according to West Ham insiders with links to Hammers conference room.
There were talks that Kretinsky would sell to his other club Sparta Prague and go all-in at West Ham.
But the Czech Sphinx – valued at over £3billion in the latest Sunday Times rich list – recently committed his long-term future to Sparta.
Asked if his attitude or relationship with Sparta has changed since buying West Ham and if he intends to sell, Kretinsky replied: “The answer to both questions is simple – not at all. ” (KUMB).
Hammers fans want to start seeing the color of Kretinsky’s money.
Otherwise – they rightly ask – what good is his presence here?
Now, Kretinsky’s claims from an insider will please and infuriate West Ham fans in equal measure.
A West Ham insider speaking to Claret and Hughes claims Kretinsky attended a board meeting for the first time this summer.
This can only please fans with supporters eager to see everyone at the club pulling in the same direction.
Fans will be intrigued by a claim from the West Ham insider that Kretinsky ‘could’ be willing to invest to help strengthen David Moyes’ squad.
But here’s the infuriating part.
Any investment from Kretinsky will take the form of loans. Low rates apparently, but loans nonetheless.
Because – as Hammers News has repeatedly warned – Kretinsky sees West Ham as a business investment.
“This (the board meeting with Kretinsky) has been an opportunity to get to know you as much as anything, but we understand the Czech has made a good impression and might be willing to offer some financial help in certain areas, Claret and Hughes State.
“These could include cheaper loans for players through his companies than the club is able to access on the commercial market.
“He sees the Hammers as a business operation, but he is of course a big fan of football and like everyone is desperate to see the club win something, with the European Conference seen as a very serious option.”
Kretinsky is a money man. An investor who invests to make money.
Yes sometimes to do that you have to speculate to accumulate.
But it looks like Kretinsky is really at West Ham to make money, not spend it. He is set to double his initial £150m investment in his share of West Ham’s new TV deal by 2025.
West Ham fans sincerely hoped Kretinsky would be the wealthy and ambitious co-owner – and potential future owner – they had long dreamed of.
But he will expect any money he invests – for transfers or otherwise – to be returned, and more.
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