West Ham sign Wolves captain Max Kilman in £40m deal

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Maximilian Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £40 million.

Wolves initially rejected the Hammers £25 million bid, but decided to let the 27-year-old defender go when it was improved on.

Kilman signed a seven-year contract and will play under new boss Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham sought reinforcements at centre-back, having also pursued Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.

Their final offer for Kilman, though slightly below Wolves’ £45 million valuation, was accepted.

Kilman, who was Wolves’ captain and most-used player last season, expressed excitement about joining West Ham.

“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.”

Lopetegui previously coached Kilman at Wolves and appointed him captain during the 2022/23 season.

Kilman is optimistic about reuniting with Lopetegui: “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.”