West Ham United finally appear to be finding their rhythm under Nuno Espírito Santo, with back-to-back Premier League victories sparking long-awaited optimism in East London.
A 3–1 win over Newcastle and a thrilling 3–2 triumph against Burnley have lifted spirits, with Lucas Paquetá pulling the strings in midfield and El Hadji Malick Diouf impressing down the left flank.
However, despite the growing positivity, not everyone is enjoying the same momentum.
For Niclas Füllkrug, West Ham’s big-money 2024 signing, his time at the London Stadium looks to be drawing to a swift and disappointing end.
West Ham to Let Füllkrug Leave
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo with Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo with Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
According to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg, West Ham have now given Füllkrug permission to leave the club in January, with interest emerging from the Bundesliga.
The £27 million striker’s move from Borussia Dortmund last summer has been nothing short of disastrous.
Persistent injuries and a lack of form have limited him to just a handful of appearances, and he’s yet to score a single goal this season. Füllkrug has been sidelined since early October with a thigh problem and has failed to make the impact many expected when he arrived as a proven goalscorer.
Last season’s struggles were equally poor, with the German managing just three goals in all competitions — leading pundit Jamie O’Hara to brand his performances as “pathetic.”
Plettenberg revealed: ”West Ham have now given Füllkrug permission to leave in the winter window. Wolfsburg are exploring a possible January move for him.”
The reporter added that Augsburg are also keen, while Füllkrug’s representatives have been officially notified that he is free to find a new club. West Ham, meanwhile, are already scouring the market for a replacement as Nuno looks to reshape his forward options.
For Füllkrug, it would mark a swift end to a miserable spell in England — a move that promised so much but delivered next to nothing.