It is one of the biggest transfer coups in history, West Ham United came out of absolutely nowhere to land two of the most sought-after soccer players on the planet, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. How in the world did this happen? Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and AC Milan were all interested, so how did it come to pass that recently promoted West Ham United secured the Argentines’ signatures? Paul Kelso of The Guardian suggests that the mystery involves the mysterious owners of their former club, Corinthians. Media Sports Investment is currently in takeover talks with West Ham United, and Kelso says the move of Tevez and Mascherano to the club is a precursor to the sports investment firm moving in permanently. After signing contracts with Corinthians, both players apparently became tied to MSI owner Kia Joorabchian, who personally retained half their rights. Joorabchian had to give that up in selling the players to West Ham, as the Premiership only allows club ownership of players’ rights. But MSI secured lucrative sell-on clauses when it sold the players to West Ham yesterday. If West Ham receives an offer for either player in excess of $67 million, it has to sell, and the lion’s share of the profit would go to MSI. So in other words, if these guys (who are both 22 years old) have a really good season, don’t expect them to be sticking around Upton Park after it’s over.