West Ham United have announced the signing of central defender Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £40million.
West Ham Announce Max Kilman Signing for £40m
Max Kilman Departs Molineux for London Stadium
The 27-year-old central defender has agreed to a seven-year contract at London Stadium following an impressive spell at Molineux. Kilman will be reunited with new Hammers Head Coach Julen Lopetegui who coached the English centre back at Wolves.
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The experience Kilman will bring to West Ham will be invaluable, with his leadership qualities and Premier League experience. He was a key component of the Wolves team that became a permanent fixture in the Premier League. The centre-back started his career in non-league with Maidenhead United, where the West Ham links began, as he was managed by the West Ham legend Alan Devonshire.
Kilman Reflects on West Ham Move
Reflecting on his move to East London, Kilman said: “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.
He continued: “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.”
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The 27-year-old centre-back added: “West Ham is a massive Club and I feel this is the natural next step forward in my career.
“Playing in front of a passionate fan-base, with 62,500 supporters packing out London Stadium every other week, is something I am incredibly excited about.
“Having spoken at length to both Julen and Tim [Steidten], I was hugely encouraged about the ambition of the Club and their plans for the future. They want to make a big noise here at West Ham and as a new player coming in, that’s an incredible thing to hear.
“I’m looking forward to getting down to work and preparing for an exciting season ahead.”
West Ham Pleased With Deal
West Ham United Technical Director Tim Steidten also revealed his pleasure at completing the deal: “This is 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.”
Steidten added: “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.”
