Max Kilman admits surprise about West Ham United transfer
Max Kilman has admitted his own shock at signing for West Ham United this summer, having left Wolves after six years.
Speaking to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone [13 August], the £40m defender explained that he expected to stay at Molineux this season – having swapped the West Midlands for East London last month.
Kilman is anticipated to be given his debut by his old manager at Wolves, Julen Lopetegui, in the Irons’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, and will be a very important player this year.
“I never thought I would leave Wolves. The manager is obviously a big factor,” the 27-year-old said.
“I was there for so long, so this is something a bit unusual but I was born and raised in London, which makes it a bit easier and I am really happy to be at West Ham.
“England is a big aim for me. I have been competing against other Premier League central defenders in the last couple of years and I have been consistent. I want to get as high as I can as a player so playing for England would be a huge honour.”
Kilman among a clutch of statement signings for West Ham
West Ham United are in arguably one of the most intense transition periods of all the Premier League clubs this summer, and 2024-25 is a huge season.
It’s one approached with excitement by the Hammers faithful, but there will be some bumps in the road – particularly until a settled squad emerges off the back of the 30 August transfer deadline.
With many of David Moyes’ old guard having either left or potentially up for sale and gaps therefore needing to be plugged in the squad, Tim Steidten has led a brazen transfer approach and brought in several thrilling players, including Kilman.
The towering centre-half was secured early, and has now been joined by Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, who joins on an initial loan with the Hammers obliged to pay £34.2m for his services in 12 months.
Further activity is expected at the London Stadium over the coming two-and-a-half weeks as Lopetegui’s new-look squad is shaped, whilst being careful to retain some momentum from key players in the side such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek.
In other West Ham news, the club have joined the race for a 25-goal star in Portugal.
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