Shaquille O'Neal interested in investing in a Premier League club

Shaquille O'Neal, NBA legend, is interested in investing in West Ham and is in negotiations to become one of the shareholders of last season's ninth-place finisher in the Premier League, reports The Sun this Friday.

According to a source cited by the tabloid, the 52-year-old former American basketball player developed this desire after watching a game of the "Hammers" last season.

"He went to a game at the end of the season and loved it. Now it’s a matter of making sure everything is fine with his finances," the source stated, ensuring that O’Neal intends to invest "a lot of money" in the London club.

O’Neal, known for his successful basketball career and diverse business ventures, has expressed interest in expanding his investment portfolio into the world of football. His potential involvement with West Ham could bring significant attention and additional financial resources to the club, enhancing its competitive edge in the Premier League.

It should be noted that former FC Porto coach Julen Lopetegui will be the manager of West Ham next season, succeeding David Moyes. Lopetegui’s appointment marks a new era for the club, with high expectations for improvement and success in domestic and international competitions.

West Ham supporters are eagerly anticipating the potential partnership, hoping that O’Neal’s investment could lead to further development of the team’s infrastructure, player acquisitions, and overall performance. The combination of Lopetegui’s managerial expertise and O’Neal’s financial backing could be a transformative moment for the club.

The negotiations are still in the early stages, but there is optimism that a deal could be reached, paving the way for one of basketball’s greatest icons to make his mark in the world of football. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how this potential investment unfolds and what it could mean for the future of West Ham United.

Arteta doesn’t have Dembélé he doesn’t even have Gabriel Jesus

The English newspapers watched as Paris Saint-Germain knocked Arsenal, the last remaining English team, out of the Champions League. It has led to critical scrutiny of Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta. The two-legged tie against the French side ultimately turned out to be one final disappointment.

Conceição on Milan's resounding derby win: 'Above all, my wife is happy'

AC Milan have actually achieved very little in Serie A this season. Yet, the Rossoneri could still end the season with two major trophies. On Wednesday, the team led by the upbeat coach Sérgio Conceição demolished city rivals Internazionale.

Kenyan Football Federation opens investigation over suspected match-fixing

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has decided to open an investigation into suspected match-fixing involving its national team, specifically in the match against Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Al Hilal makes an offer for Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, 33-year-old Dutch center-back, is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool and has received a €20 million net salary offer from Al Hilal.

European champion Álvaro Negredo retires at the age of 39

The striker, who was playing for Valladolid, had not featured since last season. Throughout his career, he played for clubs such as Manchester City and Besiktas.

José Mourinho suspended for four games after controversy with Galatasaray

José Mourinho has been handed a four-match suspension following a controversy after the Istanbul derby, where he was accused of racism by Galatasaray.

Arsenal is warned after PSV's brilliant victory over Juventus

The Champions League draw has also been closely followed by the media in England. Arsenal has been paired with PSV. While The Gunners are considered favorites, the club must be cautious not to underestimate the reigning Dutch champions.

Gimenez immediately makes his mark in Milan: 'He gets it right away'

Santiago Gimenez made an immediate impact on Wednesday night in his debut for AC Milan. Thanks to an assist for fellow newcomer João Félix, the striker, who joined from Feyenoord, earned praise right away.

Steven Gerrard is no longer the head coach of Al Ettifaq

Steven Gerrard has left Al Ettifaq by mutual agreement after a disappointing tenure in Saudi Arabia. The former Liverpool captain, who took charge in July 2023, struggled to deliver consistent results, leaving the club in 12th place.

Saudi Arabia offers €350M for Vinícius Jr

Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly targeting Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. as their latest high-profile signing. Al Ahli is prepared to offer €350 million for the Brazilian forward, with Al Nassr and Al Hilal also showing interest.

MLS club wants to sign Neymar from Al Hilal

The Brazilian forward has a contract until June, but Al Hilal is willing to let him leave now. Chicago Fire has reportedly already met with Neymar's representatives.

Man Utd ties one of its few bright spots to the club until 2030

Amad Diallo is now a Manchester United player until mid-2030. The English record champions announced on Thursday evening that the 22-year-old Ivorian will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

Neuer punished with a two-match suspension in the German Cup

Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's legendary goalkeeper, received the first red card of his illustrious career during the German Cup round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen.

France hosts Israel under maximum security for politically charged match

France hosts Israel today in a match that will feature an unprecedented police presence. Highly controversial, the game is marked by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian movements.

Oosting forced to make changes and surprises with starting lineup against Nice

FC Twente coach Joseph Oosting was forced to make multiple changes to his lineup in the Europa League match against OGC Nice. Due to the absence of key players Mees Hilgers (not fit), Sem Steijn (sick), and Lars Unnerstall, a surprising starting eleven will take the field at 6:45 pm.

Top Countries

Around the web

Donnarumma knows PSG's strength and is waiting for a new contract

Gianluigi Donnarumma is extremely happy at Paris Saint-Germain. The goalkeeper played a crucial role in reaching the Champions League final, though he believes that the true strength of the team lies in the lack of individual heroics like his own. If it’s up to the Italian, he plans to stay in the City of Light for a long time.

Amorim gives update on De Ligt's situation ahead of return against Bilbao

Matthijs de Ligt will not feature for Manchester United on Thursday evening in the Europa League semi-final. The defender is recovering from an injury he sustained in the league match against Brentford.

Son Cristiano Ronaldo follows in his footsteps with selection

Cristiano Ronaldo Junior is following in his father's footsteps now that he has been called up to a youth team for Portugal. The fourteen-year-old son of the Al-Nassr player has been selected to join Portugal's Under-15 squad this month.

Corinthians remain in pursuit in the Copa Sudamericana despite Memphis goal

Corinthians failed to win their fourth group stage match in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday night. Against América de Cali from Colombia, Memphis Depay opened the scoring, but the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. A result that does little to help Corinthians.

Champions League will have a special winner this season no matter what

The Champions League final this year will be between Internazionale and Paris Saint-Germain, and that’s quite remarkable. For example, it means that for the first time in a long while, the billion-euro tournament will not have a winner from England, Spain, or Germany.

Tedesco on dismissal from Belgium: 'Hard to speak of just one federation'

Domenico Tedesco has reflected for the first time on his turbulent spell as head coach of Belgium and his eventual dismissal in January of this year. The German described the circumstances as difficult.

How Sané’s change of agent led to a Bayern ultimatum

Leroy Sané has received a firm ultimatum from Bayern Munich regarding the contract offer the club made him, according to Sport Bild. The 29-year-old winger initially appeared close to reaching an agreement, but then teamed up with an agent who is not well-regarded by the Bayern hierarchy.

Salford City under new management, two more United legends join

Salford City has been partly owned for some time by a group of Manchester United club legends. Now, only two remain: Gary Neville and David Beckham will lead the club, together with American businessman Declan Kelly and former British minister Evan Mervyn Davies.

Saka believes in a comeback but admits: 'PSG impressed me'

Bukayo Saka urges Arsenal to remain calm and expresses full confidence in overturning their 1-0 deficit against PSG in the Champions League semi-finals, praising the French side’s transformation and eyeing a historic final return.

Dortmund, in their search for reinforcements, turn to Bellingham junior

At Borussia Dortmund, they have fond memories of Jude Bellingham. So fond, in fact, that the name Bellingham features high on their wishlist as they look to strengthen the squad for the new season. Jobe Bellingham, to be precise the younger brother of the Real Madrid superstar.