West Ham will face a summer of change as they prepare for their first season in the Championship in 14 years.

The Hammers were relegated on the final day of the Premier League season, despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United, as Tottenham won in North London.

The East London club is poised to lose several key players during the summer window, with star players Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen already being linked with transfers away.

David Sullivan has already resigned from his duties as vice-chair and director of the club, and there has been another significant development in his departure.

David Sullivan considers selling West Ham shares.

David Gold and Sullivan took over the Irons in 2010 when the team was in financial trouble, and despite being relegated just two years later, they stabilised the club both on and off the pitch.

One of the most contentious moves he made during his tenure was to relocate the club from Upton Park to the London Stadium, which has been a cause of ongoing discussion and protest.

Of course, the largest gem in his crown is West Ham’s European success, as the club was crowned Europa Conference League champions in 2023 thanks to manager David Moyes’ stellar effort.

Poor player recruitment and management decisions have soiled his reputation subsequently, and fans have grown increasingly dissatisfied with his ownership, but this might all change.

According to The Athletic, Sullivan is willing to sell his part in the Hammers and end his 16-year affiliation with the club.

The journal has now heard from a senior source with knowledge of the matter, who spoke anonymously to preserve their position, that the 77-year-old is considering selling his 38.8% ownership, and the club has been asked for comment.

Why Hammers supporters will desire rapid resolution amid the Sullivan reports.

West Ham may be the largest team in the Championship next season based on recent experience, but they will enter the second division with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads.

While Wolves finished last in the Premier League, they have a strong head coach in Rob Edwards and have already started their recruitment process by agreeing to sign Kieran Trippier.

Burnley, on the other hand, may not have a head coach yet, but they are a more stable club that understands how to operate in the second division.

The Hammers have declared that Nuno Espírito Santo will continue as head coach, providing some consistency. However, Sullivan was meant to lead player recruiting with the Portuguese.

Everything appears to be on pause until Sullivan decides on his share, perhaps putting the Irons farther behind their rivals in terms of transfer preparations.

Given the controversies around him and how his fans feel, now appears to be the appropriate time for the 77-year-old to leave, but his departure would raise numerous questions in the future, including what happens to his stake.