Wolverhampton Wanderers Defender Maximilian Kilman Signs New Deal Until 2028
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Maximilian Kilman has extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2028. The 26-year-old was previously under contract until 2026, with a one-year extension option. Kilman’s impressive performances had attracted interest from other clubs during the transfer window, but Wolves were determined to keep hold of their talented centre-back.
Earlier in July, Napoli made a €35 million (£30.2 million, $38.4 million) offer for Kilman, which was promptly rejected by Wolves. The club made it clear that they would not consider any offers below €40 million for the player. Wolves’ sporting director, Matt Hobbs, expressed his satisfaction with Kilman’s new deal, stating that it is well-deserved.
Hobbs said, “We’ve been talking to Max since the end of last season, and his evolution within the club and his role in the first team have laid a strong foundation for him. There was plenty of interest in Max, and we received several offers, but we were adamant about keeping him. We believe he is the soul of the team, and he has been with us for a long time. He was never a player we considered selling.”
The signing of Kilman’s new contract comes at a time of transition for Wolves. They recently appointed Gary O’Neil as their head coach after Julen Lopetegui left the role just days before the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season. O’Neil, a former Bournemouth coach, wasted no time in appointing Kilman as Wolves’ new club captain, filling the void left by Ruben Neves’ departure to Al Hilal.
Kilman has been a consistent presence in Wolves’ starting lineup for the past two and a half seasons. He played in all but one of their Premier League games last season and has made a total of 107 appearances for the club since joining from Maidenhead in 2018. His performances have earned him recognition as one of the team’s key players.
Wolves’ new head coach, Gary O’Neil, expressed his confidence in Kilman’s abilities and leadership qualities. O’Neil believes that Kilman’s experience and commitment to the club make him the ideal choice for the captaincy. With the new contract in place, Kilman can now focus on leading the team on and off the pitch.
Wolves will kick off their season with an away game against Manchester United on Monday. The team will be looking to start the campaign on a positive note, and Kilman’s presence as captain will undoubtedly provide stability and inspiration to his teammates.
The contract extension for Kilman is a significant statement of intent from Wolves. It demonstrates their ambition to retain their best players and build a strong foundation for future success. Despite external noise and speculation, Wolves remain focused on their internal plans and believe that they are moving in the right direction.
As Wolves embark on a new era under Gary O’Neil’s leadership, the signing of Kilman’s new deal is a clear indication of the club’s commitment to stability and continuity. Kilman’s long-term presence at the club will provide a sense of familiarity and cohesion within the squad, which is crucial for achieving sustained success.
In conclusion, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Maximilian Kilman has signed a new contract with the club until 2028. The extension comes after interest from other clubs during the transfer window, but Wolves were determined to keep hold of their talented centre-back. With Kilman now serving as the club captain under new head coach Gary O’Neil, Wolves are poised for a successful season ahead. The contract extension is a testament to the club’s ambition and commitment to building a strong and stable future.