Niclas Fullkrug in action for AC Milan
Credit: Imago
Scott Mason
Sat 28 February 2026 8:10, UK
Niclas Fullkrug is fighting for his AC Milan future, and West Ham will certainly be hoping the German turns things around.
Germany-based journalist Patrick Strasser has weighed in on Fullkrug‘s situation, and for West Ham it is not great news.
As it stands, the Milan club are unlikely to trigger the West Ham loanee’s option to buy, but a deal is not quite dead in the water yet.
Strasser has shared how Fullkrug could still secure a permanent move to the Serie A, and the Irons will be hoping he can.
Niclas Fullkrug unlikely to join AC Milan in summer – how can he change it?
At the moment, it seems like Fullkrug will be returning to West Ham in the summer, as his loan move to AC Milan has not worked out as planned.
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German journalist Strasser has told Milan News that at the moment, he does not think the striker will sign for the San Siro club this summer.
However, he did also relay that “he has to score and prove he deserves a new contract”.
So while the chances of a transfer happening are slim, there is still plenty of time for the situation to change.
Fullkrug goals for AC Milan
Credit: Breaking Media
West Ham will be eagerly keeping an eye on the Serie A club and Fullkrug in particular. The 33-year-old is not in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans, and shipping him out is the ideal scenario.
Right now, the Hammers loanee has 12 games to prove himself to the Red and Blacks, where he has scored just once in 10 league appearances.
How much will West Ham miss out on if Fullkrug’s buy option is not triggered?
Included in Fullkrug’s loan move to AC Milan was an option to buy, which is slated to be around £11.3million to £12.2m.
That is money that the E20 outfit will not want to miss out on.
🚨🔴⚫️ Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan, here we go! Deal in place for loan move until June 2026.
AC Milan will cover his salary, no loan fee and buy option around €13/14m not mandatory.
Füllkrug wanted Milan despite two bids from Germany.
Story revealed weeks ago, now done. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/S6HMNaaoou
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2025
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The hope is that the veteran striker can turn things around this season, and reports from Italy are suggesting he could start their next game against Cremonese.
Hammers fans will certainly be keeping watch, as the money brought into the club could be useful in the summer window.
If things do not improve, the German will likely be back at London Stadium ahead of next season.
For the latest West Ham news, check out Football Insider for updates.