Now that West Ham’s relegation to the Championship has been confirmed, they may begin planning for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Sales of Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes are expected to produce significant revenues, leading to a squad revamp. Nuno Espírito Santo is likely to lose his position as manager.

While most focus will be on player recruiting, the Hammers must also perform their due diligence off the pitch to avoid the blunders that have landed them in this predicament.

There have been important updates on two fronts that might impact how the team operates going into the 2026-27 season.

David Sullivan confronts a choice over the proposed Royal Mail owner investment.

David Sullivan’s name has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons since West Ham were relegated to the Championship after 14 years in the Premier League.

Nobody can begrudge Sullivan for investing throughout the years, but the club’s spending habits have been criticized, with Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Niclas Füllkrug all pricey flops.

The Hammers will most certainly need to raise finances through player sales this summer, which should be simple given the number of gems they have.

Daniel Křetínský plans to dramatically raise his stake.

According to TEAMtalk, the Czech billionaire plans to increase his interest in the club to roughly 40%, thus forcing long-time co-chairman David Sullivan to make a major decision.

According to the publication, people close to the matter have informed them that Kretinsky remains totally dedicated to the club despite their relegation and is ready to increase his influence and long-term involvement at London Stadium.

Furthermore, TEAMtalk knows that Sullivan is presently assessing whether he wants to remain substantially involved at the boardroom level in the future.

West Ham target Kieran Scott of Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough had a disastrous end to the season on multiple fronts.

Not only did they miss out on immediate promotion, but they also lost in the play-off semi-finals and finals, as Southampton’s Spygate scandal had a significant impact on the lottery to enter the Premier League.

Ultimately, they will play Championship football next season, and they are expected to lose not only top player Hayden Hackney, but also their sports director, Kieran Scott.

According to Graeme Bailey, the Irons are seeking for recruitment personnel, and Scott is on their radar.

Scott joined the Riverside Stadium from Norwich City in 2021 as the club’s chief of football, controlling everything from transfer strategy to loan channels.

He has helped Boro construct a younger, more valued squad by signing Morgan Rogers, Finn Azaz, and Hackney.

Given his performance with Middlesbrough, it is unsurprising that newly relegated West Ham may be considering his services, since they require someone with Championship experience and a track record.

With all due respect to the Teesside club, Scott would undoubtedly benefit from the increased club stature and potential funding.

News of backroom changes is guaranteed to cheer the Hammers fans, who will undoubtedly want a summer of change following a disastrous season.