West Ham United have completed the signing of Wolves captain Max Kilman for £40 million on a seven-year contract. The 27-year-old defender reunites with Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who had appointed him as skipper during his tenure at Molineux.
Wolves initially rejected West Ham’s opening bid of £25 million but accepted the improved offer for Kilman, who was originally signed from Maidenhead for just £40,000 in 2018. The National League side will benefit from a 10% sell-on clause, receiving £4 million from the deal.
Kilman expressed his excitement about joining West Ham, stating, “It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player. 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.”
Since making his debut in May 2019, Kilman made 151 appearances for Wolves, scoring three goals. He joins goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme as summer signings at London Stadium.
Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs, who initially scouted and signed Kilman, described the transfer as a “bittersweet moment” but ultimately a “deal that worked for everybody.” Hobbs commented, “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.”
