West Ham have shared an intriguing update on the Shaquille O’Neal investment claims via a source close to David Sullivan.
Earlier today Hammers News reported on overnight claims that global superstar Shaquille O’Neal wants to invest in West Ham.
The Sun reported last night that 7ft 1in basketball legend O’Neal visited the London Stadium last season to watch a game.
It’s claimed he’s been hooked on the Hammers since. And not only does The Big Diesel want to become a shareholder at West Ham, he wants to invest big too, the report stated.
The 52-year-old has a net worth of £395m.
That amount has been scoffed at by some fans who believe it is pocket change compared to the sums needed to stay competitive in the Premier League.
While that is a legitimate argument, O’Neal would undoubtedly have partners and fellow backers coming to the table with him. It should also be noted his net worth is not far off that of David Gold’s before he sadly passed away.
West Ham update on Shaquille O’Neal investment claims
Daniel Kretinsky and David Sullivan are the serious money men at West Ham.
So when The Sun’s Matt Hughes reported earlier this month that West Ham were one of six Premier League clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds in order to strengthen the squad without breaching PSR, Hammers News sought clarity from the top spokesman inside the club.
The claim was flatly denied by the senior source inside West Ham speaking exclusively to Hammers News.
It was also stated that fresh investment is futile right now as strict PSR rules mean you can’t spend the money.
What of this new interest from one of the world’s most recognised sports stars of the last century then?
Now West Ham have shared an intriguing update on the Shaquille O’Neal investment claims via a source close to Sullivan.
West Ham share intriguing update on Shaquille O’Neal investment claims
Sean Whetstone has communicated his source’s reaction on social media.
And the response is intriguing.
West Ham are saying they know little about the claims.
But the possibility of O’Neal being in talks with the Gold family over their share – which was put up for sale last October – has rather interestingly not been ruled out.
Global star’s investment not entirely ruled out
“Club sources are not aware of any direct approach or talks with former LA Lakers basketball player Shaquille O’Neal over investment in West Ham,” Whetstone said.
“A Sun story from Bizarre Editor Ellie Henman claims O’Neal got the Hammers bug after watching a game last season and has said he is interested in becoming a shareholder.
“Whether there has been approach directly to the Gold family is unknown but West Ham themselves are not aware of it.”
Since the Gold family shares were put up for sale there have been a host of reports of interest from the Middle East and the USA.
Earlier this year Whetstone claimed West Ham are actively seeking a new investor from the Middle East or elsewhere.
The Times previously made a huge claim about the possibility of Sheikh Jassim buying the Gold family West Ham shares.
It came after Sheikh Jassim – whose family are worth $275bn (£215bn) according to Sporting News – was repeatedly linked with the Hammers and pulled out of the running to buy Man United.
Hammers News spoke to the club’s top contact about whether Sullivan or Kretinsky were interested in buying the Gold family shares when they were put up for sale.
The response at the time was that the duo were ‘undecided’.
O’Neal has previously discussed his desire for investing in an interview with the Wall Street Journal which you can see below.