West Ham United will be heading into the next season with a change in management. Julen Lopetegui has taken over from David Moyes and has already started making changes. The club is approaching the transfer market with a positive intent and have already made two signings. West Ham are now linked with Max Kilman. Kilman captained Lopetegui’s former side and is hugely admired by him. However due to limited budget Hammers need to part ways with some of their existing stars. Nayef Aguerd and current club captain Kurt Zouma are the two defenders who very likely seem to part ways with the Premier League side.
West Ham boss admires Max Kilman
Julen Lopetegui really admires Max Kilman. Kilman captained Lopetegui’s side last season. The 27 year old featured in all of the 38 Premier League matches for Wolves. He was key figure for Lopetegui and the Spanish boss wants to achieve his services again this season. West Ham are reported to be part ways with Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma as they require to raise the funds. Zouma was linked with move away from London stadium last season too, but the French international opted against leaving England. Hammers believe it won’t be a case this time.
Kilman played all of the 38 matches in Premier League for Wolves in 2023/24 season. We was able to score two goals for the club in those. Kilman also helped Wolves to achieve five clean sheets. The 27 year old defender made 47 tackles, 39 interceptions and 179 clearances throughout the season. The Wolves captain made 177 recoveries. He also won 161 ground duels and 89 ariel duels. Kilman is expected to wear captain’s armband if he arrives at West Ham next season.
Kilman has a current market value of ÂŁ27 million according to Transfermarkt. However Wolves are demanding ÂŁ45 million for defender which may be setback for West Ham.
Hammers weak on financial side
Hammers have already signed Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham. Lopetegui wants to sign two defenders along with one striker. However West Ham have only ÂŁ51.5 million available to spend before selling some of their key players.
It was reported that Hammers submitted an opening bid for Max Kilman. However it was quickly rejected by Wolves as it was far below than demanded price. Wolves want ÂŁ45 million for their captain and are not willing to negotiate. It has also been reported that Hammers offered one of Maxwel Cornet or Danny Ings as part of the deal but still Wolves aren’t interested.
Other options available for Hammers
West Ham are exploring options other than Kilman as they are unsure if they can spend ÂŁ45 million on the defender. Chelsea have offered Trevoh Chalobah for Hammers. The Blues who are desperately in need to earn profit have asked ÂŁ25 million for the defender. Chalobah is Chelsea’s academy product and will help the club to earn pure profit. In 2023/24 season Chalobah made 13 Premier League appearances for the Blues. Chalobah will cost lot less than what Wolves are demanding for their captain Max Kilman.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Hammers are now looking to sign Jack O’Brien. O’Brein is 23 year old Irish defender who plays for French club Lyon. He has made 27 appearances in Ligue 1 in 2023/24 season. The defender also looked sharp in attacking as he scored four goals along with assisting two.
To sum up, it will be interesting to see if Lopetegui changes his plans due to the available funds and conditions in front of him. However as per now, Hammers are very much interested in Kilman and may make another offer for the defender.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on: