Graham Potter, fans
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke
Thu 27 March 2025 17:10, UK
West Ham United have endured a thoroughly mixed bag in terms of the results of their summer recruitment.
An entirely underwhelming league position of 16th is down to numerous factors not all associated with the transfer window, and there have been a few shining lights.
However, several of the Tim Steidten-inspired recruitment drive of 2024 have not come close to meeting expectations, whether by luck nor judgement.
West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten
Steidten left his role as technical director midway through the campaign (Credit: Imago)
West Ham set to see ‘best of’ summer signing next season
While West Ham have struggled to get off the ground in the Premier League this season, even despite the sheer funds spent last summer, there remains plenty to look forward to.
There just seems more of an air of organisation and progress under Graham Potter, like the current Hammers squad could in time achieve more with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss at the helm.
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While he is restricted with what he can do until next season, one of Potter’s most exciting factors to lie in wait is the eventual reintroduction of £27million man Niclas Fullkrug to the side.
Fullkrug is the quintessential ‘late bloomer’, becoming a regular goalscorer in his late 20s and now having delivered for a club the size of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, starring for the German national side at major tournaments.
TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, believes from regularly watching Fullkrug in Europe, he can still mould his time in the Premier League into a success after a horror show with injuries.
“He’s had a nightmare season with injury, it’s been an absolute write-off,” Darke conceded.
“West Ham fans haven’t seen the best of him yet, but he’s a much better player than the fans have seen so far.
“Those of us who have seen him play for Dortmund in the past in the Champions League know what he can bring to a side. Next season, they could get the real Fullkrug – he can still be a top player.”
West Ham United striker Niclas Fullkrug
Fullkrug has endured a horror season with injuries (Credit: Imago)
Fullkrug still has time to shine as a Hammer
While some West Ham fans may have forgotten about Fullkrug somewhat, he shouldn’t be written off just yet.
The 32-year-old is one of several experienced heads in Potter’s squad but while a fair few free agents at the London Stadium north of 30 could be set to depart, Fullkrug still has three years on his contract to turn things around.
Niclas Fullkrug – since 2019 Appearances Goals
Werder Bremen 99 46
Borussia Dortmund 43 15
WEST HAM UNITED 11 2
Germany national team 22 14
Fullkrug is a regular scorer when fit
In just four games in which Fullkrug has played more than three-quarters of the action for club and country this season, he has scored three goals and provided an assist.
The spark is still alight with the big German – he just needs that run of games and a shape that suits him next term.
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