£40 million defender Max Kilman has no future at West Ham despite the club dropping into the Championship.
The former Wolves man, who was a priority signing under Julen Lopetegui, has been a massive disappointment since arriving at the London Stadium almost two years ago.
There had been some speculation that perhaps Kilman might thrive at Championship level, but Claret & Hugh were told this afternoon by a source at the training ground that the new manager does not see the defender as part of his rebuild plans.
Speaking earlier today, our source said:
“He’s likely to go out on loan, the manager doesn’t want him and the player himself doesn’t want to stick around and play second fiddle.”
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West Ham Face Financial Reality
That probably makes sense from West Ham’s perspective considering selling Kilman now would represent a huge financial loss.
Some reports have linked Crystal Palace with interest at around the £15 million mark, although realistically that valuation feels fanciful at this stage.
I suspect that particular story may stem from older information when Palace were urgently searching for cover during uncertainty surrounding Marc Guéhi.
As things stand now, it’s difficult to imagine West Ham recovering anywhere near that type of fee.
Nuno Espirito Santo and max Kilman at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kilman worked with Nuno at Wolves
Hammers Preparing For Major Clear-Out
What does seem increasingly clear, having spoken to agents and club insiders today, is that West Ham are unlikely to waste much time moving players out of the football club this summer.
Bringing replacements in, however, may prove significantly harder.
Which only increases the importance of the club finally following through on promises made to the Fans’ Advisory Board regarding the appointment of a Director of Football.
The clock is ticking.