WEST HAM have signed Wolves captain Max Kilman in a move that sees the defender reunited with former manager Julen Lopetegui after the Spaniard bowed out of Molineux on the eve of the last Premier League season.
The 27-year-old centre-half has arrived at the London Stadium on a seven-year deal.
No fee was disclosed but British media reports said the deal between the two Premier League clubs was worth £40 million (€47 million).
“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player,” Kilman told his new team’s website.
“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.
“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.
“West Ham is a massive club and I feel this is the natural next step forward in my career.”
Kilman, who underwent a successful medical on Friday, spent six years in the Midlands, making 151 appearances in all competitions, after costing Wolves just £40,000 (€47,000) from Maidenhead.
Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs told the club’s website: “It’s bittersweet for me, having brought Max in, but it feels like a deal which works for everybody.
“We’re getting a good fee and unbelievable return on investment, West Ham are getting a homegrown left-sided centre-back and it’s a good story for Maidenhead. While it was tough, it also allows Max to get closer to his family in London.”
West Ham finished ninth in the Premier League last season, with Wolves in 14th place.
Great business from wolves .
@ashton oriordan: great buisness from maidenhead they have received a few million.
Great return for Wolves and kilman has been a great servant for the club.Was attracting interest from some of the really big pl clubs two seasons ago but didn’t have quite as good a year past. The hammers should suit him.
Maidenhead are the big winners here with the 20% sell on, League of Ireland clubs need to be brave with the contracts they are offering players, one year contracts will get them nowhere if they want to make real money in the transfer market.
@Der Calnan: Different reports saying 10 or 20 percent. Great money for Maidenhead in any case and totally correct about loi clubs.
@Bert Carolan: I’m not totally sure how contracts work as I’ve never seen one but the FAI should be involved here in providing a professional service to all clubs regarding selling players abroad. There should be a standard 25% sell on clause on all transfers and it should be non negotiable. The fee will be whatever it is and if the buying club decide to offer the player another contract after the first one then that 25% should come into play also based on market value. We’re being done over for too long and the league needs that money to grow facilities etc.
@Der Calnan: if you’re involving the FAI in anything like this id keep them well away from it. Best let LOI clubs negotiate their own deals like in any other league in the world.