According to The Athletic, Czech businessman Daniel Křetínský has reached an agreement with other shareholders of West Ham United to increase his stake in the club from 27% to 46%, making him the largest shareholder of West Ham United. Meanwhile, David Sullivan's stake will increase from 38.8% to 40%, and Trip Smith's will increase from 8% to 11%.

This deal also means that former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley's plan to acquire the Gold family's shares has fallen through. Previously, Staveley had led a consortium hoping to purchase the 25.1% stake held by Vanessa Gold. This stake came from her late father, David Gold.

The Athletic had previously reported that Staveley and the Gold family had reached an agreement, but this deal was subject to a pre-emption clause, allowing existing West Ham United shareholders the first right to purchase the shares being sold by the Gold family. Ultimately, Křetínský, Sullivan, and Smith all increased their stakes.

Křetínský stated in a declaration: "I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to become the largest shareholder of this great club. I am very aware of the responsibility this entails, and I will not take it lightly."

He also said: "I want to thank all the shareholders who remain with the club for their constructive efforts in bringing about this outcome and providing the certainty the club needs at such a critical time. Once these deals are all completed, I look forward to greater engagement with our fans."

Vanessa Gold also confirmed the agreement. She stated: "I am delighted that the shareholders of West Ham United have reached an agreement for Daniel Křetínský to become the largest shareholder of the club and play a more active role in club decisions. This will also bring certainty to the fans and provide a clearer direction for the club's future."

She added: "Throughout this process, my goal has always been to ensure the club has the right leadership to allow West Ham United to unleash its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League. This agreement, first proposed in June, will now bring stability to the club, allowing the club and management to continue focusing on the football season."

"I would also like to thank Amanda Staveley and her partners for their involvement throughout the process and for the passion they showed for West Ham United along the way."

Gold also stated that she would retain a small stake: "It has been my honor to serve as Joint Chairman and Director of the club, and I am proud to continue the legacy left by my father, David Gold. I will remain with the club as a small shareholder, but more importantly, I will always be a passionate fan of West Ham United. I wish Daniel and the new leadership all the best and thank the fans for their continued support and kindness."

This season, West Ham United is competing in the Championship after being relegated last season, ending the team's record of 14 consecutive seasons in the Premier League. Nuno Espírito Santo's team has recorded 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the first 4 league matches of the new season.

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