A Premier League competitor has expressed interest in Gary O’Neill’s top defender. Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for their second season under Gary O’Neil’s leadership, and they hope to make many team improvements while stopping the sharks from taking their valuable assets.
There were genuine fears that Molineux would suffer a painful relegation after Julen Lopetegui’s departure last August, but despite several high-profile sales, Wolves have shrewdly navigated the 2023/24 season to clinch a safe Premier League position.
However, Lopetegui was recently confirmed as West Ham United’s new manager, and he is well-known at Molineux. According to sources, the Spaniard is aware of the need to strengthen the Hammers’ defence and is ready to make an offer for Max Kilman.
Max Kilman’s Season in Numbers
According to The Sun, Lopetegui is willing to urge West Ham to sign Kilman this summer, as the London club has a long-term interest in the 27-year-old, whom Wolves are anticipated to seek £45 million for.
Kilman joined the club from non-league side Maidenhead for a measly £40,000 in 2018 and has risen through the ranks to secure a starring role in the Wolves team, making 151 appearances.
Wolves will be determined to keep their star defender, who played every minute of the Premier League season and was dubbed a “monster” by presenter Tom Parker.
The centre-half, who can also play full-back, averaged 4.7 clearances and ball recoveries per game in the league, according to Sofascore, and won 73% of his aerial battles, so replacing him will be difficult, but O’Neil may have found the perfect successor in teenage talent Temple Ojinnaka.
Why Temple Ojinnaka may star in Wolves.
Ojinnaka is only 19 years old, but he has progressed from strength to strength at the Old Gold Academy, consistently breaking into the U21s this season after primarily playing for the U18s last year.
Jon Hunter-Barrett, Wolves’ academy manager, has been one of Ojinnaka’s most vocal advocates, noting his positional versatility as one of the primary reasons why the adolescent will thrive on the senior stage after signing his first professional deal in 2023.
He stated, “He’s a really adaptable player who can play at the back and seems quite comfortable doing so, but he’s spent the majority of his development time here in midfield.
“Temple’s still in transition so he will still feature for James McPike’s under-18s this season and predominately play at the back because we think he’s got a big chance of being able to play there.”
Ojinnaka may not be a household name right now, but he is on O’Neil’s radar, having already been included to Wolves’ Premier League matchday squad, appearing as an unused replacement in April’s 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal.
Furthermore, he has played every minute of Wolves U21s’ previous six Premier League 2 games, moving between central defence and out wide, demonstrating his versatility, which might make him an invaluable player for O’Neil next season and beyond.
At 6 feet 2, he has the rangy physique to compete with some of English football’s hardest forwards, as well as the speed and power to complement his excellent and ever-improving skill set.
If Kilman leaves, Wolves will need to find a replacement, but by elevating Ojinnaka to the first team as well, the responsibility will be shared, and the 19-year-old may be able to advance quickly.
Leave a Reply