With the controversy raging around the sale of [Mohammed Kudus](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-not-blameless-as-kudus-gets-naughty-step-treatment/) this past week, few other stories appear to have had a look-in as the Hammers returned to pre-season without the Ghanaian. To all intents and purposes the camp – albeit in smaller numbers after the end of season exodus – is now younger, fitter and faster than last season with the swelling of the ranks from academy and young talent returning from loan seasons away from Rush Green.
From the photos and the news coming out of the club, one of the oldest squad members also appears fired up and certainly with a point to prove. Niclas Fullkrug as the sole senior striker appears to have bucked the pre-season holidaying and has come back lighter and fitter than ever as a Hammer. According to s[ources last week:](https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-issue-major-transfer-statement-after-mohammed-kudus-sale-to-spurs-including-shock-niclas-fullkrug-news/) _“Fullkrug has come back three kilos lighter and very, very determined, and we hope he has a great season.”_
Which of course yes, is good to hear. He’s certainly still got a point to prove but is not going to be able to sustain the Hammers goal threat alone. Whilst he’s become something of a fan favourite amongst the away supporters, ‘West Ham’s big \*\*\*\* German’ at 32 won’t last ninety minutes for a whole season and the youngsters aren’t ready this year to compete: Callum Marshall has just finished a season with Huddersfield in the third tier and Daniel Cummings a season in Celtic’s B team. One or other might get some substitute minutes but hardly ready to challenge Fullkrug.
Reports have suggested the Irons are looking at _another two strikers_ before the end of the window. One decent quality Premier League-level player plus a freebie third choice is more than likely as the Hammers try and spread the Kudus money around a whole rebuild.
But good to know that Fullkrug realises he has something to prove next season: Fifteen goals would sort it nicely.