# West Ham United ownership shift and transfer push

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-transfer-activity
> Updated: 2026-07-31T06:28:31.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

West Ham United’s July 2026 transfer agenda broadened as the club prepared for life in the English Championship after relegation. Earlier in the month the Hammers evaluated a €15‑24 million move for Millwall winger Femi Azeez, paused talks over Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, and lodged a bid for Celtic’s Arne Engels while monitoring Amadou Kone to replace departing midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

By July 31 the club was actively pursuing several signings to rebuild the squad for an immediate Premier League return. Targets include a Norwegian left‑winger, 25‑year‑old Morgan Whittaker (linked to a £7.5 million fee), and 19‑year‑old French striker George Ilenikhena, who has been formally inquired about. West Ham are also in talks with Sunderland for Ivorian winger Simon Adingra and Haitian striker Wilson Isidor. Recent sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville are providing the funds for these potential acquisitions, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo expected to finalise deals before the window closes.

The Gold family announced plans to sell its 25 % stake to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, prompting a clash with major shareholder Daniel Křetínský, who said he will review his options. Amid the ownership shift, the Hammers added Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson to their radar on loan or permanent terms, while young forward Lewis Orford earned a pre‑season start and is being evaluated for a squad role. West Ham concluded pre‑season with a 1‑1 draw against German side 1. FC Magdeburg.

## Claims

- West Ham United have made an enquiry about striker George Ilenikhena from Al‑Ittihad. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- West Ham United are targeting Sunderland players Simon Adingra and Wilson Isidor. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Gold family is selling its 25% stake in West Ham United to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- West Ham United were relegated to the Championship. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Daniel Kretinsky holds a significant stake in West Ham United and is reviewing options after the Gold family sale proposal. (single source)
- West Ham United are interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson on loan or permanent transfer. (single source)
- West Ham United are evaluating Lewis Orford for a squad role after his pre‑season start. (single source)
- West Ham United's pre‑season ended with a 1‑1 draw against 1. FC Magdeburg. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: West Ham United ownership change and summer transfer moves

West Ham United faces an ownership sale to Amanda Staveley’s consortium, a clash with Daniel Kretinsky, and is targeting several players—including Reiss Nelson, Lewis Orford, George Ilenikhena, Simon Adingra, &

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-targets-two-midfield-signings-as-mateus-fernandes-departs

### 2026-07-29: West Ham United eyes Femi Azeez while pausing on Fabio Vieira deal

West Ham United is considering signing Millwall winger Femi Azeez for up to €24 million, while currently showing no interest in Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira, whose €18 million price tag remains unresolved.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-eyes-femi-azeez-while-pausing-on-fabio-vieira-deal

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Cite as: West Ham United ownership shift and transfer push. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-transfer-activity