Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) are looking to invest in a football club and a side such as West Ham United could fit the bill.
What’s the word?
As per Sky Sports, it was recently reported that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and QSI head Nasser Al-Khelaifi met last week and the subject of investing in the club was discussed among other topics – although Spurs have denied such reports.
QSI own PSG and recently took on 23% of Portuguese side Braga and are said to be looking at 'football investment opportunities' around the globe.
In a new update on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex has now explained that the group are looking to acquire a football club with land that could be developed.
He then explained that West Ham fall into that category though there have been no talks between QSI and the Hammers' ownership at this stage.
He explained: “Qatar Sports Investment is something worth keeping an eye on. They've apparently had talks with Spurs about taking over them.
"They're said to be interested in acquiring a football club or acquiring a football club that has land that could be developed. Of course, West Ham fall into that category.
"And in 2023, I think from April onwards, the board will not face a fine if they sell the club. Now, at the moment, there has been no offer.
"There's been nothing that's even looked like being an offer for West Ham. And it's not even known whether we would actually entertain an offer with [Daniel] Kretinsky now there and [David] Sullivan, still enjoying what he's doing."
Time for a change?
As Ex makes clear, there is no guarantee that West Ham would even be considered as an option for QSI and so fans shouldn't start to jump to any conclusions just yet – although, Simon Jordan did predict last year (via West Ham Zone) that the club might be sold in 2023.
As well as that, following the recent passing of joint-chairman David Gold, it would be wrong to speculate heavily on what direction the club will take in the near future at this stage.
It will be interesting to see what steps QSI take over the coming weeks though as they seek out a new project to invest in. Of course, Manchester United and Liverpool are both potentially up for sale and so those two Premier League giants may be viewed as more attractive options.