West Ham United are reportedly planning to offload seven players this summer, including Max Kilman.
This follows the club announcing record £104m losses in their latest accounts, suggesting a fire sale of players is likely. West Ham also reportedly owe £196m to other clubs in transfer instalments, making player sales seemingly inevitable regardless of whether the Hammers remain in the Premier League.
Kilman’s Struggles at West Ham
West Ham’s £40m signing, Max Kilman, is reportedly chief among those the club is planning to move on this summer. The Hammers paid that sum for Kilman two summers ago. Initially, West Ham supporters were relatively impressed with Kilman.
However, Kilman has struggled this season and reportedly cannot get near Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting XI. It is claimed that assistant coach Paco Jemez berated Nuno for bringing Kilman on as a substitute in one match. Nuno reportedly chose not to start Kilman when Jean-Clair Todibo was injured in the warm-up at Villa.
Summer Departure Considered Best
Kilman has a long contract at West Ham, until 2031, potentially making him difficult to move on. It is considered that a summer departure is ‘best for all parties’ and it is unlikely the 28-year-old will feature again this season. Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in Kilman.
Other Players Potentially Leaving
Besides Kilman, other players who may be moved on this summer include Alphonse Areola. It is reported that a summer departure for Areola ‘would not come as a surprise’ given he has lost the number one shirt and is one of West Ham’s higher earners on £120k per week.
James Ward-Prowse has also been named on the list. It is reported that Ward-Prowse, who is on loan at Burnley, ‘is expected to seal an exit thi