West Ham United Face Potential Defensive Shake-Up as Crystal Palace Target Max Kilman
West Ham United find themselves at an intriguing stage as another transfer story unfolds in London. After an eventful summer filled with ambitious signings and new arrivals, the club’s focus is shifting once again — this time toward possible movements in their defensive line. The Hammers have shown interest in Adama Traoré and Real Madrid youngster Endrick, but a new challenge may soon arise concerning one of their key defenders.
According to journalist Wayne Veysey, Crystal Palace are eyeing Max Kilman ahead of the January transfer window. Palace are reportedly preparing for the potential departure of Marc Guehi, whose proposed move to Liverpool on deadline day collapsed at the last minute. With uncertainty still surrounding Guehi’s future, Palace have started searching for replacements early — and Kilman is said to be high on their shortlist.
Kilman, 28, joined West Ham from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2024 for a fee of around £40 million. Since then, he has established himself as a trusted figure under Julen Lopetegui, with a contract that runs until 2031 — a sign of how highly the club rates him.
However, the transfer market is unpredictable, and even long-term players can become targets when the right offer appears. Palace reportedly admire Kilman’s composure, aerial ability, and confidence in possession — qualities that could make him a strong replacement if Guehi leaves Selhurst Park. Both clubs are expected to monitor the situation closely as January draws nearer.
Should West Ham United Consider Letting Kilman Go?
Kilman’s influence at West Ham extends well beyond the numbers — though his stats tell a compelling story. During the 2024–25 season, he featured in 38 matches, logging 3,349 minutes on the field. He led the team in touches, passes, clearances, and blocks, while completing 87 percent of his passes, making 179 clearances, and blocking 34 shots. These figures underline his steady presence at the heart of West Ham’s defence.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo values Kilman’s ability to build play from the back while maintaining defensive discipline — an essential balance in West Ham’s setup. Yet some fans remain divided, questioning whether his £40 million price tag has fully translated into top-level performances.
While a generous offer from Crystal Palace could tempt West Ham to reconsider, replacing a player of Kilman’s experience and calmness would be no easy task. Any decision to sell would likely depend on how the club weighs its defensive stability against the potential to strengthen other areas of the squad. For now, Kilman remains a cornerstone of West Ham’s defence — but his future could soon become one of the defining stories of the next transfer window.