West Ham are in a stronger financial situation than newly-rich Newcastle United as things stand, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The Lowdown: New developments at West Ham
The Hammers are going from strength to strength at the moment, shining on the pitch under David Moyes in the Premier League, not to mention impressing in the Europa League and reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Away from the actual football, West Ham have also been boosted by the news that Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech billionaire, is in advanced talks to buy a 27 percent stake in the club, while a stadium expansion has also been approved.
The former could perhaps then lead to full ownership in the future, potentially putting the Hammers in an extremely strong financial position and finally ending the GSB era.
The Latest: Expert gives exciting update
Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire explained why West Ham are worth more than Newcastle currently, despite the Magpies’ recent big-money takeover:
“You can’t underestimate the London factor which generates interest from sponsors. After all, matchday income between the clubs is broadly similar, so that isn’t a huge driver.
“Newcastle made £25m from matchday revenue over the last financial year, while West Ham made £27m.
“West Ham do have a bit more commercial revenue, and that is likely to be independently-based rather than through parties connected to the owners.
“That is driven by being in London. They also have the benefit of paying next to no rent.
Newcastle requires a big infrastructure spend because of the approach taken by Mike Ashley.
“You put those factors together and that’s why, for the moment at least, West Ham are in a far better state than Newcastle.”
The Verdict: Great time to be a Hammer
West Ham fans have had their fair share of misery down the years, from relegations to ownership issues, but this is an exciting time for the club.
Moyes has got his side playing some excellent football, with another European finish looking on the cards this season, and it looks as though the money is going to be available to make the squad even stronger if Kretinsky’s potential arrival is everything fans hope it will be.
This is a wonderful opportunity for West Ham to really establish themselves, especially at a time when fellow London clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham arguably aren’t the forces they once were.
In other news, an expert is concerned by one West Ham player’s injury. Find out who it is here.