Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that their highly sought-after centre-back Max Kilman has extended his contract with the club.
The 26-year-old has committed his long-term future to the club after signing a five-year contract that will keep him at Molineux until 2028.
Kilman’s new deal will come as a relief for the Midlands club, with the defender strongly linked with an exit this summer.
Napoli were one of several European clubs eager to land his signature, with the Serie A champions in the market for defensive reinforcements.
Despite interest from a Champions League club, Wolves took a firm stance on Kilman’s future, turning down a €35 million offer from Napoli.
Their commitment to the player has now been rewarded with a long-term contract that will see Kilman extend his five-year association with the club.
Kilman signed for Wolves on a free transfer from English fifth-tier club Maidenhead United in the summer of 2018.
His exceptional performances for Wolves have seen his stock rise exponentially over the years, amassing 107 appearances for the Midlands club.
Kilman was an ever-present figure in the Wolves backline last season, missing just one Premier League game. He has also become a leader in the locker room.
Heading into his sixth year at the Molineux, Kilman will hope to help Wolves build on last season’s 13th-place finish, although things are not looking up for the club.
They have barely strengthened a squad that struggled significantly before Julen Lopetegui turned their fortunes around.
However, their lack of transfer activities caused friction with the Spanish tactician, who has now been replaced by former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil.
O’Neil helped the Cherries survive relegation with a relatively inexperienced squad, and the Wolves hierarchy will hope he can repeat that exploit at Molineux.
The Englishman’s first test will come against Carabao Cup winners Manchester United on Monday night, with Kilman set to lead his teammates out at Old Trafford.
