West Ham have signed defender, Max Kilman from Wolves for a £40m transfer fee.
This move sees Kilman reunited with new West Ham manager, Julen Lopetegui under whom he previously played 24 matches between December 2022 – May 2023, during the Spaniard’s spell in charge of Wolves following Bruno Lage’s sacking two months earlier.
The Hammers have paid a £40m transfer fee of which National League’s Maidenhead United will receive a slice of the fee, due to their sell-on clause in Kilman’s move to Wolves in August 2018.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player,” commented Kilman who was eager to make the move and reunite with Lopetegui once the Hammers expressed their interest in signing him.
“As soon as I was aware of the interest from the Club, it was an opportunity I was keen to pursue, so I couldn’t be more delighted to be here.
“I really enjoyed working with Julen during his time at Wolves – he’s a top-class coach and someone I learned a lot from, and I am confident I will continue to improve as a player under his management here.”
West Ham’s Technical Director, Tim Steidten added that he is “delighted” to secure Kilman who was amongst the club’s “top targets” in the transfer window.
Steidten proceeded to describe this move as “… a serious and notable moment for West Ham United – the signing of an established, proven English Premier League central defender in the peak years of his career.”
Teasing what fans can expect from Kilman, Steidten continued: “He has many great qualities as a defender.
“He’s a strong, powerful centre-back, who possesses the leadership qualities that are so important in that area of the pitch.”
Wolves’ Sporting Director, Matt Hobbs felt that Kilman’s move is “bittersweet” on a personal note – having brought him to Wolves but believes that this move suits both clubs and Kilman.
“We’re getting a good fee and unbelievable return on investment, West Ham are getting a homegrown left-sided centre back and it’s a good story for Maidenhead. While it was tough, it also allows Max to get closer to his family in London.”
Hobbs paid the following tribute to Kilman for his commitment and effort at Wolves: “He’s unbelievably laid back and has always been a man of few words.
“He had a tough couple of years personally, but the way he handled it and didn’t let it affect him leaves you slightly in awe. He’s someone you can’t help but root for. I don’t know anyone at the club who would have a negative word about him.
“Maybe people will realise what he did on the pitch more now he’s left than when he was here.”
Kilman began his career initially playing for Genesis Futsal amidst spells in Fulham and Gillingham’s youth academies, and went onto make his senior debut for Welling in the London Senior Cup against Cockfosters,
His performance saw Maidstone swoop for him where he went on to score one goal in 42 appearances, although he spent 2016-17 season on loan at Marlow, after he initially made two appearances for the Magpies that campaign.
Kilman now leaves Wolves having scored three goals in 151 appearances across six seasons following his debut in May 2019 as a late substitute in a 1-0 win over Fulham in their final home match of 2018-19 season.
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