Jake O’Brien vs Max Kilman: West Ham United’s Centre-Half Conundrum

West Ham United are preparing for a fresh start under new manager Julen Lopetegui following the departure of David Moyes.

Lopetegui has been tasked with leading a talented Hammers squad back into contention for European football after they finished ninth last term.

West Ham sporting director Mark Noble and technical director Tim Steidten will reinforce the squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.

One area the club must address is their defensive options. The Hammers conceded 79 goals last term – only relegated Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United shipped more.

West Ham must perform major surgery on their defence this summer and have identified two top candidates to reinforce the rearguard.

Jake O’Brien – Lyon

When Jake O’Brien moved Crystal Palace to Lyon, many people assumed American owner John Textor was moving a pawn between two of his clubs.

Even when the transfer was mentioned to then-Lyon manager Laurent Blanc, he dismissed the former Cork City defender as a potential fourth or fifth-choice centre-back.

Twelve months later, Blanc could not have been more wrong in his assertions. O’Brien broke into the Lyon first team and never looked back.

The 23-year-old was a pivotal part of the Lyon side that bounced back from a relegation battle to finish the season in sixth place, clinching Europa League football on the final matchday.

O’Brien has been linked with West Ham to replace captain Kurt Zouma, who had a poor season. He would help sort out their poor defensive displays, bringing the assuredness they currently lack.

The Republic of Ireland international’s arrival would potentially spark a flurry of betting activity in his homeland, particularly in the ‘top seven finish’ market.

Fans on the Emerald Isle would be following his exploits in the Premier League and backing his new club on Irish betting sites to claim one of the European qualification spots.

West Ham would be expected to concede fewer goals and potentially win more games with the Irishman in defence, boosting their chances of reaching the top seven.

O’Brien helped Lyon keep seven clean sheets in 27 Ligue 1 appearances. He also won 64 percent of his aerial and 58% of his ground duels. O’Brien lost 25% of his aerial duels, while Zouma lost 45%.

He also finished the Ligue 1 campaign as Lyon’s second top scorer with four goals. Only striker Alexandre Lacazette (19) scored more last term.

The Lyon defender recorded more progressive passes than Zouma (68 vs 53) and progressive carries (15 vs 7) while completing a higher percentage of his passes.

Max Kilman – Wolverhampton Wanderers

Despite the links to O’Brien, the Hammers are more focused on signing Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-half Max Kilman.

Lopetegui knows the left-footed defender from his time at Wolves, and he could be the perfect addition to this Hammers team.

Kilman led a Wolves defence that kept five clean sheets in 38 appearances, winning 71% of his aerial and 55% of his ground duels. The Wolves defender makes more tackles and wins more of them.

He also makes more blocks, interceptions and clearances, although it is worth noting these numbers are skewed by playing minutes and team playing styles. Lyon are Ligue 1 giants expected to be on the front foot, while Wolves are a team which defied the odds by finishing 14th.

Kilman’s previous relationship with Lopetegui could tip the balance in his favour. Lopetegui made the former Futsal starlet the captain at Wolves.

O’Brien has promise and potential, but Kilman presents a more seasoned option capable of immediately impacting West Ham’s defensive stability.

Kilman’s experience in the Premier League and proven track record under Lopetegui’s guidance make him the better candidate to spearhead West Ham’s defensive renaissance.

However, West Ham should ideally sign both players if finances allow. O’Brien could be moulded into a top defender under Lopetegui’s tutelage, while Kilman would slot straight into the team.

They have the potential to form a formidable defensive partnership for West Ham for years to come, giving the team the perfect platform to build from.