Journalist Henry Winter has reacted to West Ham signing Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m as Jacqui Oatley weighs in too.
West Ham signed Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in a £40m deal.
It was a case of third time lucky for the Hammers, who had seen two initial bids rejected by Wolves.
In the end, though, West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui got his wish to be reunited with the centre-back he made captain at Molineux.
Instead of celebrating the impressive capture of a Premier League rival’s captain, though, many West Ham fans have been debating whether the club has overpaid.
Signing an English player in the prime of their career from a Premier League club never comes cheap. Particularly when they are also that club’s skipper.
Some Hammers fans have raised doubts about Kilman’s quality and the size of the fee.
West Ham and Wolves deal for Kilman raises eyebrows
Much of that stems from the reaction of a vocal minority of Wolves fans who have celebrated the sale of their captain on social media.
A top Wolves expert and journalist has allayed fears over Kilman with an in-depth take on the deal.
Tom Procter told Hammers News that criticism from Wolves fans towards Kilman has been ‘harsh and over the top’.
Announcing the sale of Kilman to West Ham, Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs aimed a dig at some fans, saying they will now realise just how good he was.
Now two respected English football journalists have had their say.
Henry Winter has reacted to West Ham signing Kilman from Wolves for £40m.
And the BBC’s Jacqui Oatley – a big Wolverhampton Wanderers fan – has weighed in too.
Winter reacts to West Ham signing Kilman from Wolves for £40m
Winter wished Kilman luck at West Ham and raved about his ability.
“Good luck to Max Kilman at West Ham,” Winter said.
“A quiet leader who really grew into the captaincy role at Wolves.
“Good defender, positionally aware, relies on anticipation rather than aggression, calm with sound distribution, reflecting his futsal roots.”
Oatley, a regular at Molineux, is in a better position than most to assess Kilman’s abilities.
And she is convinced West Ham fans will quickly take to their new £40m man.
“Good signing for West Ham United,” Oatley said.
“Reliable (rarely injured), classy modern day defender.
“Sure the fans will take to him.”
Top clubs wanted Kilman for a reason
Some top clubs have wanted Kilman in the recent past.
Manchester United were linked this summer and both Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest previously.
It is believed Spurs wanted to sign Kilman until he penned a new deal at Wolves last August.
West Ham’s fierce rivals then turned to Micky van de Ven instead.
Napoli also tried to sign Kilman last summer but saw a bid rejected.
So this should be seen as a real coup for West Ham and the defender is clearly highly rated across the game with good reason.
With England lacking in depth when it comes to quality central defenders, Kilman’s big aim at West Ham will surely be making future Three Lions squads.
Kilman has signed a seven-year deal at West Ham and is said to be in the mix – alongside the likes of Jarrod Bowen – to be the club’s new captain.
The ball-carrying centre half has already trained with his new teammates for the first time.
You can check out footage from his first day at Rush Green below.
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