Niclas Fullkrug Aims for January Departure to West Ham as Striker Pursues Bundesliga Return to Revive World Cup Aspirations

Difficulties for the 32-Year-Old Striker

The 32-year-old forward has encountered significant hurdles during his tenure at West Ham following his £27 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in August 2024.

Injury Troubles and Goal Drought

Füllkrug has been plagued by a series of injuries, including persistent issues with his Achilles and hamstring. These setbacks have severely limited his impact on the pitch. Throughout his time with the Hammers, he has struggled to find his rhythm, managing to score only three goals across all competitions.

Recent Developments Under Management

Initially, Füllkrug seemed poised for a prominent role in the attack under manager Julen Lopetegui. However, his progress was halted again by a new thigh muscle tear, which has kept him sidelined for the recent run of fixtures.

Potential Exit

Reports suggest that Füllkrug is eager to depart from West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window, signaling a desire to return to Germany. Contact has reportedly been established between his agents and several Bundesliga clubs; however, no formal agreement has been finalized yet.

National Team Situation

Füllkrug played a pivotal role for Germany during Euro 2024, but his lack of consistent playing time and ongoing fitness issues have seen him drift away from Julian Nagelsmann’s recent squad selections.

Agent’s Comments on the Situation

His representative, Thorsten Wirth, expressed his thoughts on the TOMorrow Business Podcast recently, implying that it may be time for both Füllkrug and West Ham to part ways.

He stated:

Reflecting on the situation, it is clear that the transfer hasn’t met expectations. There’s no need to sugar-coat the reality. Cooperation with the club is essential, but I believe a change could be beneficial for all parties involved.