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Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani could end up turning his attention to West Ham if he fails with his record-breaking approach.
The banker, chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank, is going toe to toe with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in an attempt to take the reins at Old Trafford. He marked out his intentions early in the process, pushing for a 100 per cent takeover, and remains in contention as the Glazer family weigh up their options after launching a final take it or leave it offer.
Ratcliffe, the INEOS billionaire involved in fellow European sides Nice and Lausanne, shot up the Times’ Rich List to become the UK’s second richest person. If the Englishman’s bid proves successful, though, it appears Sheikh Jassim might not give up on his hopes of owning a Premier League club.
The East London side could be in line for an approach despite Tottenham previously being mentioned as potential targets for the Qatari bid. The Hammers were subject to investment from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in 2021, though David Sullivan remains the majority shareholder.
West Ham flirted with relegation from the Premier League this season, only securing safety in May. Victory over Manchester United helped ensure their survival, while they finished one place behind the Red Devils in 2021-22.
David Moyes’ side have also embarked on impressive European campaigns over the last two seasons. After reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2022 – one step further than Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd achieved this season, they beat AZ Alkmaar to qualify for the final of this season’s Europa Conference League.
The latest reports come despite Sheikh Jassim speaking of his status as a Manchester United supporter upon launching his bid for the club. The banker’s bid comes through his Nine Two Foundation, named for United’s ‘Class of 92’.
“The bid plans to return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more,” his initial bid statement in February read.
“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports.
“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops.”
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