Max Kilman completes £40m move to West Ham and signs seven-year deal

Max Kilman described West Ham as a "huge club" following his transfer from Wolves for a fee of £40 million and agreeing to a seven-year deal.

The transfer brings the 27-year-old defender back together with Julen Lopetegui, who previously coached him at Molineux last season. Despite having a £25m bid turned down earlier in the summer, West Ham came back with a larger offer.

"I feel fantastic being a part of the West Ham United team," Kilman shared with the club's website. "When I found out they were interested in signing me, I knew it was a chance I had to take, so I am extremely happy to be here."

I loved working with Julen at Wolves. He's an excellent coach and I gained a lot from him. I believe I will keep getting better under his guidance at West Ham. It's a big club and I see this as the next step in my career.

Kilman, who passed his medical test on Friday, is leaving Wolves after just one year of signing a new contract. He spent six years at Molineux, playing in 151 matches in total after being bought for £40,000 from Maidenhead. Matt Hobbs, the sporting director of Wolves, expressed mixed emotions about Kilman's departure, but believes it is a good arrangement for all parties involved.

We are receiving a generous payment and exceptional return on our investment, while West Ham is acquiring a local left-sided center-back. This is a positive development for Maidenhead. Although it was a challenging decision, it also means that Max will be closer to his family in London.

We discussed this topic extensively. It seemed like the best decision for everyone involved. This allows us to assess the market and gives someone else the chance to take the lead. It's possible that one of our team members will step up, or we may use these funds to enter the market. The possibilities for what we can achieve are exciting, and we are eager to bring in someone who can help us progress. While it may be challenging, it also brings new opportunities, which is always thrilling.

Leicester has confirmed that they have added Bobby De Cordova-Reid to their team on a contract lasting three years. De Cordova-Reid, who started his career at Bristol City before moving to Fulham in January 2020, has played 209 games for Fulham after initially joining on loan.

"I was really impressed when I arrived here, the facilities are amazing," he said in an interview on the club's website. "It's definitely a special feeling. I'm really happy to be here and I'm excited to start. I had a great conversation with the manager, he explained the club's vision to me. We talked a few times and he was very specific about what he expected from me. He has faith in me and I feel like this is the perfect place for me."

Luton has signed Shandon Baptiste, a player who used to be in Brentford's midfield. He is their first signing for the summer. Baptiste, who is 26 years old, has joined the Championship team after leaving Brentford. He mentioned that he believes Luton is the perfect place for him. He observed the club's performance last season and noticed great things were happening. Baptiste expressed his desire to be part of that journey.