Our writers — who are experts in transfers, tactics, data and football finances — have come together to rate this summer’s senior Premier League transfers against five categories, each given a score out of 100, to reach a total out of 500. Hence, The Athletic 500. The ratings are explained here.
Below is our rating for this move.
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Tactical fit — 79/100
A look at how the player fits into his new club tactically using Sentient Sports’ bespoke tactical fit model, explained by our tactical expert.
Kilman’s signing appears to be a bit of a no-brainer for West Ham, even if they have spent more than they would have preferred.
Having worked with Julen Lopetegui at Molineux, Kilman should fit into his system seamlessly as there is uncertainty over Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd’s futures. Kilman was a key part of an impressive Wolves team last season, ranking high in several key metrics, none more than availability as he played all 3,420 minutes of the league campaign — one of only two outfield players to do so along with Arsenal’s William Saliba.
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His pace was a massive asset for Wolves, as he displayed in the sequence below against West Ham in December.
After Pablo Fornals sets Lucas Paqueta through on goal, Kilman races back and coolly slides in to come away with the ball. What Kilman does after winning the ball illustrates the second major feature of his game. The 27-year-old is composed on the ball and can pass with both feet.
Last season, Kilman attempted the fourth-most long passes among Premier League centre-backs (9.1 per 90), with 53 per cent reaching their target. He was the ninth-best in switches (0.5) and among the top 20 per cent in key passes (0.5) per 90.
In the sequence below against Manchester United, Kilman initially plays a one-two to draw two players out of position before floating a pass over to Hwang Hee-chan, who fills up the vacant space.
Hwang eventually cuts the ball back via a deflection to Fabio Silva, who saw his shot blocked by Luke Shaw.
There are a few areas Kilman still needs to work on. Even under Lopetegui at Wolves, he wasn’t a great ball-carrier, a trend that continued under Gary O’Neil last season, where his 0.6 progressive carries per 90 ranked him in the bottom 41 per cent of defenders. He made a few errors (0.1 per 90 last season), which he will need to iron out.
Kilman is usually low-volume in his defensive engagements (1.2 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per 90) and could perform better alongside a more robust centre-back.
Overall, there’s a lot to like about the move tactically for Kilman and West Ham.
Anantaajith Raghuraman
Season rating: 66/100
Rating the player over the course of last season, using statistics from The Athletic’s data team.
Kilman impressed at the heart of Wolves’ defence as O’Neil’s side finished in mid-table.
After Ruben Neves departed for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Kilman was appointed Wolves’ captain and led them to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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While Kilman has featured in other positions during his time at Wolves, most notably 34 games at left-back, the ball-playing skills he has built playing in different areas are now exclusively displayed at the heart of defence.
Elias Burke
Gaming rating: 72/100
Rating the player according to Football Manager 2024’s data across both current and potential ability.
While Kilman represents a downgrade on West Ham’s options, he’s a more than capable Premier League starter, according to Football Manager.
He starts FM24 with an ability rating of 136, lower than Kurt Zouma (150) and Konstantin Mavropanos (140), West Ham’s best options in central defence according to the game’s extensive scouting network. As Premier League centre-backs go, Kilman is not considered among the best, but he is a solid starting player for a bottom-half club.
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Having only recently turned 27, however, Kilman has plenty of time to improve. He has a potential ability rating of 150, ranking him alongside Zouma as the club’s best central defender.
Elias Burke
Financial value rating: 47/100
A four-category summary of the player’s transfer in financial terms — and whether it makes sense for his new club.
Market value — 13/25
The £40million spent on Kilman is West Ham’s biggest outlay on a defender and feels a hefty figure for a non-international 27-year-old. Three consistent years in the Premier League with Wolves, though, brings a certain guarantee and it is that pedigree that has driven up the price.
Squad cost — 13/25
West Ham have much to do in the transfer market to satisfy Lopetegui and this is a sizeable amount of the budget committed to one position. The centre of defence needed remedial work and this move promises to bring stability and a solid platform.
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Contract sensibility — 9/25
A seven-year contract is a long deal at 27 and he will likely be among the mid-to-higher earners. The deal takes him through to 2031, when he will be 34. Quite a commitment.
Resale value — 12/25
Kilman was a late arrival into the professional game and is unlikely to ever be considered for the elite clubs. Feels a long shot that West Ham will make profit on the defender but his value ought to hold well enough in the short-term.
Philip Buckingham
Risk or reward? 68/100
Is there a history of injury or other problems that could crop up in the future and make this deal a bad one in retrospect? Or does the player come with a clean bill of health? Our expert takes a look.
While it represents a significant cash outlay and long contract for West Ham, he is a player that adds experience, nous and quality.
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Kilman has played under Lopetegui and has plenty of Premier League appearances under his belt and will not, therefore, have to adjust to a new league.
He has a relatively spotless injury record, too. Since turning professional, Kilman has missed just six matches, all coming in the 2021-22 season due to a bruised ankle. His impressive feat of playing every minute in the Premier League campaign speaks to his durability and the importance on the pitch as Wolves’ captain.
Elias Burke
Overall rating: 332/500
(Top photo: West Ham; design by Eamonn Dalton)