To say that Max Kilman’s move to West Ham United hasn’t worked out would be an understatement.
Years of frustration, both with Kilman’s performances and West Ham’s recruitment more generally, came to a head during Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Leeds.
Indeed, Kilman was booed by sections of West Ham fans during their FA Cup game against Leeds after he gave away a penalty.
How do you feel about fans booing Max Kilman? 😳
Whatever one thinks about that is a personal choice. The debate has raged on among Hammers News readers and subscribers on TalkingPoints. You can find the discussion here.
Still, Nuno Espirito Santo has backed Kilman after he was booed by his own supporters, which was always to be expected.
It does seem, however, that it’s all going to end on the sourest note possible.
Kilman expected to leave West Ham this summer
It would be difficult for anyone to come back from this. Granit Xhaka did it at Arsenal, but he looks to be an exception rather than a rule.
Furthermore, Kilman’s long-term future at West Ham is in doubt.
Crystal Palace considered signing Kilman in January, and while it’s difficult to imagine there being a queue of buyers, the defender’s race here in east London is surely run.
What should West Ham do with Finlay Herrick next season? 🧤
Explain your choice in the comments! ✍️
No one would doubt that Kilman has been a poor signing and that he deserves criticism for his performances.
However, his struggles are perhaps more indicative of a generally flawed recruitment policy at West Ham.
It is unfortunate for Kilman that he is the standout example right now, but he’s hardly alone in having struggled after a big move to West Ham.
There are seven games left this season and it’s difficult to imagine him playing in any of them.
No one should tell supporters how to act, but it’s hard not to feel somewhat sorry for a player whose struggles have become the embodiment of the club’s major issues on the recruitment front.
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