Wolves sale looks stronger than ever as Max Kilman hits ‘new low’ under Nuno at West Ham

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Max Kilman’s move away from Wolves was supposed to confirm his place at a higher level, but his time at West Ham has not followed that script.

A £40 million fee placed him among defenders expected to start regularly and lead from the back.

Initially, Max Kilman featured heavily for West Ham, despite some erratic performances.

But recently, his involvement has dropped and his role has become increasingly uncertain. The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo should have been good for him, in theory.

But it’s actually been the opposite.

And at the weekend, Nuno’s view of Kilman was clear for all to see.

• READ MORE: Gary O’Neil spots worrying trait former Wolves star Max Kilman is still showing at West Ham

Nuno decision exposes Kilman’s standing

Kilman has made 21 Premier League appearances this season, a number that suggests steady use.

But he has not played a single minute across West Ham’s last seven league matches.

On Sunday, West Ham played against Aston Villa and before the game, defender Jean-Clair Todibo got injured in the warm-up.

Kilman was the obvious choice to replace him. But Nuno instead switched from a back three to a back four, and introduced midfielder Freddie Potts. The Athletic described this as a ‘new low’ for the player.

That decision, combined with Kilman’s 21 league appearances this season and his absence across the last seven matches, really does define his current role.

A centre-back replacement was seemingly required in that moment, yet the solution came from a tactical change and a midfielder stepping in.

Wolves sale looks strong in retrospect

The £40 million Wolves received for Kilman (Guardian) is looking a stronger piece of business than ever.

That fee carried an expectation of consistency and authority, but Kilman’s role at West Ham has moved in the opposite direction.

From Wolves’ side, the decision to sell in 2024 has been reinforced by what has followed. A defender moved on for a significant fee has not secured a regular place, and recent selection calls have underlined that outcome.

It is a real shame for the player. Kilman had some fine outings at Wolves and for whatever reason, it just hasn’t worked out for him at the London Stadium.

Perhaps that fee Wolves extracted has simply weighed too heavily.