The Saudi Arabian government’s decision to privatise football clubs in its National League could trigger takeovers of London clubs by Saudi investors, according to the Evening Standard.
Currently most Saudi Arabian clubs are government controlled but the decision to privatise them will give investors the opportunity not only to buy those clubs, but also to purchase English clubs which they can partner with.
Charles Sale in the Daily Mail last week commented that the Hammers had interest from Qatar but the Standard believes Saudi investors are also looking in London for potential clubs to invest it. One investor told the Standard:
“I know of two or three clubs around London that are being looked at by Saudi consortiums and individuals who want to tie them in with clubs at home. It would be a perfect fit and would be good for players, coaches and technical experts too, as we would need British expertise to help set up the league.”
West Ham’s co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are unlikely to want to sell the club in any case but it does seem likely at some point that there will be interest from the Middle East in the Hammers. Whether such interest would be entertained at all by the current owners is not certain.
