West Ham United have announced the signing of their new defender, Max Kilman. The 27-year-old defender who is transferring from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a quite significant £40 million is seen as an important addition to an already weakening defence.
This is big news for both West Ham and Kilman, and the Englishman will be roaring to get his first game for the Hammers.
Julen Lopetegui who was the manager of Wolves for a short while, has worked with the former captain and has seen that he will be a useful fit and addition to his side.
Kilman did not take a typical route to professional football. Born in London, he played futsal, a type of indoor football, while also playing for lower-league teams. His skills in futsal helped him develop good ball control and quick decision-making. Eventually, he joined Wolves and became one of their most important players, especially in the last 2 to 3 seasons.
West Ham United parted ways with their now-former manager, David Moyes. He had quite a swell time with the club, but as they say “change is constant”, but one thing will not change though – the support of the West Ham fans. To cheer Julen Lopetegui and his charges to victory, fans must purchase West Ham tickets from an online resale store.
Why Did West Ham Sign Max Kilman?
West Ham needed to strengthen their centre-back position for the upcoming season and they needed a player of Kilman’s profile. Last season, they saw their beloved star, Declan Rice, leave for Arsenal in a deal worth£105 million. This gave West Ham enough funds to spend on new players. Their new manager, Julen Lopetegui, wanted someone who could make their defence stronger, and he chose Max Kilman because of his experience and talent.
Kilman was very reliable for the Wolves last season. He played every single minute of their Premier League matches, which is quite massive because the Premier League is very competitive and tough. His leadership as captain and his ability to deal with aerial threats made him a top target for West Ham.
One of the very exciting parts of this transfer is that Kilman will reunite with his old boss, Julen Lopetegui. Lopetegui is the new head coach of West Ham, and he previously worked with Kilman at Wolves. When they were together at Wolves, they enjoyed a good relationship, and Lopetegui helped Kilman improve his game and it is notable to add that he earned more games under the Spaniard. Now, they will work together again at West Ham, and Lopetegui will hope that his investment in bringing back an old comrade will pay off.
Lopetegui, who is from Spain, has managed many top teams in Europe and even the Spanish national team, he has notably managed big Spanish teams like Real Madrid and Sevilla. His vast experience and knowledge of the game will be immense for West Ham United, and having a player he knows well, like Kilman, will certainly help him build a strong team.
What should West Ham fans expect from Max Kilman?
West Ham United no doubt will seek to bolster their squad and that will definitely start with having a solid defence, and Kilman is now expected to be a key part of that. His ability to chase attackers and clear aerial threats and lead from the back will help West Ham perform better in matches.
With Julen Lopetegui as the new head coach, West Ham is starting a new chapter. Having Kilman, who already knows how Lopetegui likes to play, will make it easier for the team to adapt to the new coach’s style. So the fans should expect a faster settling down from the 27-year-old.
Splashing £40 million on Kilman shows that West Ham is serious about improving their team. It however means that Lopetegui believes Kilman can make a big difference. Many critics have hit out at the club for splashing such a huge amount on a player many believe is just average, but Kilman can prove his critics wrong, just like he has always done.
Max Kilman’s path to the Premier League wasn’t the usual one. Unlike many players who go through football academies, Kilman played futsal and non-league football before joining Wolves.
Kilman was born in London and started his football journey with grassroots teams. In 2018, he joined Wolves from Maidenhead United, a non-league side. At Wolves, he worked hard and gradually became a key player. His performances improved each year, and he eventually rose to become the team captain.
Last season, Kilman was named the captain of Wolves, and I must say that Kilman did a very good job, playing every minute of Wolves’ Premier League matches, and he also contributed two goals during the season.
His strength and height make him an extra head during set pieces. He can score with his head and even with his feet. He also has an extra yard or two in his feet, as we have seen him occasionally drive attacks for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His story is quite inspiring and just like Jamie Vardy, it is encouraging for non-league footballers to know that they can rise from the gutters of English football to its zenith. Fans of English football are always in love with such stories.
The Hammer fans will be eager to see him in action, and he will aim to help West Ham achieve their goals, whether that’s finishing high in the Premier League or doing well in cup competitions.
Final words
Max Kilman’s move to West Ham is an exciting development for both the player and the club. For Kilman, it’s a chance to play for a bigger team and reunite with a coach he knows well. For West Ham, it’s a step towards building a stronger squad with a solid defence. Fans and neutrals will be looking forward to seeing how Kilman fits into the team and propels the Hammers to even greater heights.
