Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs has revealed the real reason why Wolves offloaded Max Kilman to West Ham United.
Max Kilman said an emotional goodbye to Wolves after completing a £40 million transfer to West Ham this summer, with the 27-year-old penning a seven-year contract at the London Stadium.
Kilman will reunite with Julen Lopetegui – the man who managed him at Molineux – as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.
The talented English defender was a mainstay in defence during his six years in Wolverhampton but particularly last term, as Gary O’Neil played him for every single minute in the Premier League.
Whilst he was an important figure in defence, he’s also a replaceable one and although Wolves initially asked for £45 million, they were happy to take £40 million.
Matt Hobbs explains why Max Kilman was sold to West Ham
The signing of Kilman for £40,000 from Maidenhead United in 2018 was arguably sporting director Matt Hobbs’ finest piece of work since arriving at the club.
It isn’t often in football you can sell a player for 1000% more than initially paid, but that is the case for Kilman, whose sale to West Ham has enabled the Wanderers to invest in multiple positions.
To bring Jorgen Strand Larsen, Pedro Lima, Tommy Doyle and Rodrigo Gomes to the club only £30 million has been spent, demonstrating the shrewd business done in this market.
Hobbs claims the sale of Kilman was spoken about a lot, as while it enables them to look for a replacement, it can also see someone get promoted from within, such as 23-year-old Yerson Mosquera.
Speaking to the E&S, Hobbs said: “It’s one we talked about a lot. It felt like the right thing for everybody. It enables us to look at the market and enables someone else to become a leader.
“It could be that someone here steps up or we go into the market with these funds. It’s exciting what we can do, and we’d be looking to bring someone in who move us forward. Although it’s tough, it creates opportunities and that’s always exciting.”
Yerson Mosquera can step up in place of Max Kilman
Hobbs appeared excited about the prospect of replacing Kilman and was bullish about the hopes of some current Wolves defenders, with Mosquera one player who could benefit from his departure.
Although the Wanderers have drafted up a list of four replacements, including Hull City’s Jacob Greaves, there is confidence that Mosquera will finally get his chance to shine in 2024/25.
The talented Colombian flourished in the second half of the season on loan at Spanish giants Villarreal and across 16 appearances in La Liga, he was able to showcase his defensive potential.
As highlighted by FBref, the towering defender placed in the top 14% against his positional peers for tackles per game (1.98), the top 25% for interceptions (1.24) and the top 19% for clearances (4.76).
Statistically, he showed a lot of promise and as far as eye tests go, Mosquera stood out physically, commanding his defence with superb displays.
Mosquera is a right-footer who played on the left side of defence for Villarreal and perhaps with the sale of Kilman, O’Neil will now give him a regular place in the Wolves squad.