Breaking News: Newcastle’s £45 million offer was turned down.
Journalist John Percy of the Telegraph claims that Newcastle United’s attempt to acquire Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Max Kilman was turned down.
Newcastle United had a dismal season last year in both the Premier League and the Champions League, so they are hoping to bolster their roster this summer.
The Magpies suffered both locally and abroad during the first part of the season, finishing seventh in the top tier due to injury concerns affecting the first squad. They were unable to advance past the group rounds of the coveted European competition.
It is quite obvious that the Newcastle hierarchy is on the lookout for a defender with Premier League experience, as the club has already missed out on signing of Fulham prospect Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea.
Defensive reinforcements seem to be the top priority for the Tynesiders as Sven Botman will, at least, be out of action for the opening months of the new season after undergoing ACL surgery in March and Fabian Schar is coming to the latter stages of his career.
In light of this, Journalist John Percy of the Telegraph reported last night that Newcastle had made Wolverhampton Wanderers a “player-plus-cash offer” for their center-back Max Kilman.
Percy disclosed last night on X:
“Excellent: Newcastle offers Max Kilman, a defender for #Wolves, a player-plus-cash deal. Elliot Anderson is believed to be the player, but the idea is turned down. After West Ham’s bid was rejected on Friday, interest in Kilman (homegrown/good appearance record) has grown. #nufc
Should Max Kilman be signed by Newcastle?
Kilman is undoubtedly a talented player with Premier League experience who would be a valuable addition to Newcastle’s team, but the fact that he is left-footed makes it possible that this specific rumor is just that—a rumor.
Regarding the requirement for defensive reinforcements, Botman’s position will be temporarily resolved with the addition of left-footed Lloyd Kelly, who will play both center-back and full-back on that side.
Schar becomes 33 in December, but there is an even more urgent issue that needs to be resolved because there isn’t a right-footed natural replacement who can complement Botman in the center-back pairing when the Switzerland international’s tenure on Tyneside ends.
Kilman shouldn’t sign with the Magpies this summer for the sake of balance; instead, the team should focus on acquiring a right-footed center-back who has the potential to play in that position in the future.
Having stated that, Newcastle will not be able to negotiate the signing of a defender this summer; instead, they must act patiently in order to identify and acquire the ideal player prior to the upcoming campaign.