As reported earlier this morning, Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg may have jumped the gun slightly in claiming that West Ham had granted Niclas Füllkrug permission to leave in January.
The German striker has made no secret of his desire to return home during the next transfer window — something he’s told to just about anyone willing to listen. Yesterday, Sky Germany’s lead transfer reporter posted: “VfL Wolfsburg are exploring a possible January move for Niclas Füllkrug. FC Augsburg are also interested.
West Ham have now given Füllkrug permission to leave in the winter window.”
It was that final line which raised eyebrows — particularly given that just last week, Claret & Hugh were informed by a well-connected source that Füllkrug would need to take a pay cut if he wanted to leave West Ham.
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Niclas Fullkrug will not be allowed to leave West Ham on his terms
Pay Cut or Stay Put
So, when we put Plettenberg’s latest claim to our top transfer insider, they were quick to set the record straight:
“That’s complete and utter nonsense. Füllkrug can leave West Ham whenever he likes. But the club have made it clear to the player’s agent that he’ll have to take a pay cut to go.”
“There has been some interest, but it’s only on loan and not even half of his wages. West Ham won’t subsidise him to play for another club.”
In short — it’s pay up or shut up.
With Bundesliga clubs reportedly offering wages of no more than £40,000 per week, we’re about to find out just how badly Füllkrug wants to head back to Germany. For now, he remains a West Ham player — but one clearly eyeing the exit door