West Ham is set to announce the £40 million acquisition of Wolves captain Max Kilman this morning.
The 27-year-old centre-back, known for his ball-carrying abilities, is expected to bolster a defense that conceded a record 74 Premier League goals last season. Kilman was the top target for manager Julen Lopetegui. This move validates Hammers News’ earlier report that majority owner David Sullivan was prepared to make significant investments for the new head coach. Kilman marks West Ham’s third signing in what technical director Tim Steidten promises will be a very active summer transfer window.
What’s next for the Hammers after Kilman?
West Ham aims to reinforce nearly all positions. With an attacker, backup goalkeeper, and center-back already signed, the club plans to add another central defender, a versatile full-back, a central midfielder, an attacking left-sided player, and a striker. Midweek, a top West Ham spokesman dismissed rumors that Lopetegui might leave due to slow transfer progress and revealed that Sullivan was set to meet the Spaniard, with a £40 million signing expected within 72 hours. The same spokesman has now provided new updates.
West Ham’s transfer update excites fans
West Ham has shared a major transfer update post-Kilman, thrilling fans. Hammers News inquired about the club’s feelings on securing Kilman and the next steps in the transfer window. The response? A striker. The source indicated that selling non-essential players would be necessary to free up space and funds at some point. However, the primary focus now is signing a long-awaited striker.
“We really like him (Kilman),” the West Ham spokesman told Hammers News. “We need to move a few out to release slots. But we will sign a new centre forward next.”
New striker incoming and it’s about time
Fans were frustrated when West Ham failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca last summer, particularly after waiting over 18 months to see Sebastien Haller replaced. The Hammers have been linked to numerous striker targets, including Youssef En-Nesyri, Jonathan David, Samu Omorodion, and Armando Broja. Last summer, David Moyes often mentioned the scarcity of available striker talent globally.
This left West Ham with aging forwards Michail Antonio and Danny Ings as their only proven strikers following Divin Mubama’s departure. The attempt to play Jarrod Bowen as a striker yielded mixed results, and now that he has secured a place in the England squad playing his preferred position on the right, Lopetegui is expected to end this experiment unless absolutely necessary.
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