Soccer opinion: What's next for West Ham? Ownership changes, transfers and more
Following the disastrous season of 2025/26, which saw West Ham get relegated in 18th place, lasting change is desperately needed.
Relegation from the Premier League means the Hammers will play in the EFL Championship next season, for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
The relegation came as a huge disappointment, especially as West Ham had won the UEFA Conference League only three years ago.
Sports News Blitz writer and West Ham fan Jack George dissects what the future holds for West Ham United.
Core structural changes
David Sullivan
The ownership and running of West Ham have been an issue for a long time.
David Sullivan, the club’s largest single shareholder with a 38.8% stake, is primarily the cause of concern internally and externally.
However, as of June 6, Sullivan stepped down as joint chair and director due to serious allegations regarding his private life.
This was celebrated by the whole West Ham fanbase, who had protested for his resignation for years.
David Sullivan's unpopularity was mainly due to the decision to leave West Ham’s home, the Boleyn Ground, and rent out the London Stadium.
As well as this, it was believed that he put profits before the club and invested poorly.
Karren Brady
Karren Brady, the ex-vice chairman of West Ham, stepped down in April after a 16-year tenure.
Brady was the one who spearheaded the move to the London Stadium and was deeply disliked due to this.
A new hope
Daniel Kretinsky is set to become West Ham United’s largest shareholder after reaching an agreement to increase his stake from 27% to 43%.
This agreement effectively places the club's future strategy under his influence, with fans hoping his guidance brings the club back to its best.
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Summer transfer window 2026
The summer transfer window, which opened on June 15 and closes on September 1, is a key one for the Hammers.
Following relegation to the Championship, it’s expected that key players will leave to continue playing at the highest possible level.
Key players that look likely to leave are: Crysencio Summerville, who’s rumoured to join Manchester United and has had a brilliant World Cup for the Netherlands so far.
Mateus Fernandes, who was a key midfielder for West Ham last season, is linked to many of the top teams, such as Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Will the captain stay or go?
The most devastating loss could be the Hammers’ captain Jarrod Bowen, who’s linked to Everton and Aston Villa.
Bowen narrowly missed out on the World Cup with England and plays at such a high level that his ability is easily enough for a top team in the Premier League.
However, his future is uncertain due to his passion for the club, and it has been rumoured that he will stay for one season to try and bring West Ham back to the Premier League.
Possible signings for the Hammers
West Ham have been linked with a few players too.
One player being Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik, who finished top scorer of the Championship last season with 24 goals.
Another player is Brighton's Adam Webster, who is available on a free transfer.
Championship pits familiar foes
West Ham’s return to the Championship means the famous ‘Dockers Derby’ between West Ham United and Millwall FC will commence for the first time since 2012, when West Ham won 2-1 at Upton Park.
The historic derby is often labelled the fiercest in football, with hooligans of both sides often violently colliding before games.
West Ham will play Millwall on the 19th of September 2026 away at The Den, and on the 20th of February 2027 at the London Stadium.
Notable other fixtures are Burnley in the opening game, providing a first look at how West Ham will fare against a fellow relegated club, and Wolves, who beat West Ham last season.
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What to expect come the end of the season
Many will expect West Ham to gain instant promotion by winning the League.
It would definitely be a surprise and a letdown if West Ham do not, at the absolute minimum, get the playoffs, due to their superior financial situation in comparison to others.
The odds certainly back West Ham United over anyone else, and it would be wise to agree due to some of their positive performances in the Premier League.
However, it's not necessarily going to be all smooth sailing.
The pressures on West Ham
It will be dependent on who West Ham manage to cling onto during the transfer window and whether they can adapt to the completely different nature of Championship football.
The continuation of Nuno Espirito Santo as manager despite the relegation will be a slight confidence booster as he’s definitely a Premier League-level manager and achieved the Championship title with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2017/18 season.
The pressure is on West Ham to gain promotion.
The Championship season will no doubt create memorable moments and be action-packed.
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