While Niclas Fullkrug is at risk of joining Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca in the pantheon of West Ham United striking flops, at least the Premier League outfit are usually quick to cut their losses.
The Hammers sold Haller to Ajax after just a year-and-a-half at the London Stadium.
West Ham United also recouped £21 million when Scamacca returned to Italy with Atalanta after his one and only season of Premier League football.
And with the London Stadium outfit perhaps content to claim back even half of the £27 million fee they paid Borussia Dortmund to sign Niclas Fullkrug a year ago, the late-blooming targetman is another who could be cut loose before his value drops further.
Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug hopes to stay at West Ham United
Just last week, Niclas Fullkrug admitted life in London doesn’t really suit a man who prefers the calm of the countryside. Was this an indication of his desire for a fresh start in more suitable surroundings?
Sky Deutschland, meanwhile, have provided an update of their own regarding a potential parting of the ways for the one-time Werder Bremen and Nurnberg hero. The German press claim that ‘a transfer is possible if a suitable offer comes along’.
The big issue, however, is that Fullkrug is ‘earning exceptionally well’ at the London Stadium. His hefty pay packet is likely to be one few Bundesliga clubs would be able or willing to match.
Yet, there is one, even more important line in Sky Deutschland‘s report. While Stuttgart, AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt have shown an interest in the recent past, Fullkrug is ‘currently planning to make a real impact’ as a West Ham player next season.
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Having been limited to only six Premier League starts, and after waiting until his 30s before being handed the chance to make his name outside of his homeland, Fullkrug is a footballer approaching the 2025/26 season with an almighty point to prove.
“I didn’t join a club at 32 to use it as a springboard,” Fullkrug told Kicker in the spring. “I’ve never had any intention of leaving West Ham, and that’s not even on my mind right now because I’m really enjoying this job at the moment.
“I find a challenge like this appealing. Moving to a club that isn’t yet where you want to be.”
Fullkrug recalled by Julian Nagelsmann for Germany vs Portugal
Fullkrug is back in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad ahead of Wednesday night’s UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Portugal. The 2024 Champions League finalist has not featured for his country since September, with his return partly down to Tim Kleindienst’s knee injury.
The West Ham-linked Kleindienst faces months out of action. An injury which puts his participation in the 2026 World Cup in doubt, and surely rules out a £30 million departure from Borussia Monchengladbach.
“[Fullkrug] doesn’t have this mega rhythm at West Ham. He didn’t score that many goals,” Nagelsmann said when handing a man with 14 strikes in 22 caps an unexpected recall.
“[But] especially due to the absence of Tim Kleindienst, we need another ‘heading player’ in the squad. One that brings another element.”
The aforementioned Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly closing in on Mainz ace Jonathan Burkardt, thus ruling themselves out of the running for Fullkrug. Burkardt has been mentioned alongside West Ham as well, Potter and co determined to bring at least one goalscorer to the London Stadium this summer.