West Ham currently have a long list of players gaining experience away from the London Stadium.
Edson Álvarez is spending the season with Fenerbahçe, James Ward-Prowse is on loan at Burnley, while Maxwel Cornet has headed to Genoa. Youngsters Callum Marshall and Kaelan Casey are also continuing their development elsewhere.
The most eye-catching loan, however, remains Niclas Füllkrug — and there has now been a significant update on where the German striker sees his future.
Füllkrug Desperate to Stay at Milan
Niclas Füllkrug. (Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images)
Niclas Füllkrug. (Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images)
Niclas Füllkrug joined AC Milan from West Ham in January on a temporary deal that includes an option for the Italian giants to make the move permanent.
After a quiet start in Serie A, the 33-year-old opened his Milan account with a crucial goal against Lecce, helping the Rossoneri secure an important victory. While he has yet to nail down a regular starting spot, his desire to remain in Italy appears crystal clear.
According to MilanNews journalist Antonio Vitiello, Füllkrug is “desperate” to secure a permanent transfer away from West Ham. The striker, who recently turned 33, is said to be thoroughly enjoying life in Milan and has already developed a strong attachment to both the club and the city.
Described as “incredible” by Milan teammate Alexis Saelemaekers, Füllkrug is also viewed as a good tactical fit within Max Allegri’s system — another factor strengthening his wish to stay put.
Milan do hold the option to buy, but much will depend on the striker’s output between now and the end of the season. Despite suffering a minor injury scare shortly after arriving, Füllkrug played through the issue, underlining just how determined he is to prove his worth.
After failing to make a real impact at West Ham, the message from the German is clear: he sees his future in red and black, not claret and blue.