Niclas Fullkrug is messing around on German TV show as West Ham United mystery rumbles on
Niclas Fullkrug has endured a miserable start to life at West Ham United so far, with the German struggling with injuries since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
What has been even more frustrating for the London Stadium faithful has been the fact that there seems to be no clarity regarding the striker’s availability, and he has returned to Germany for treatment [Sean Whetstone, 23 October].
There was much excitement when the 31-year-old signed for the Hammers in the previous transfer window, but so far, the club haven’t been able to reap anything from their investment.
Fullkrug featured in the first three games of the league campaign for West Ham and also started in the Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth on 28 August.
But having picked up an injury on international duty, the forward has been on the sidelines for several weeks, although he seems to have time to be on a game show called ‘Klein Gegen Gross’ back home [Niclas Fullkrug, 1 November].
Niclas Fullkrug a disappointment at West Ham
The German international made a name for himself in the last few years after some impressive displays in the Bundesliga and for his national side at Euro 2024.
It didn’t come as a surprise that the Hammers wanted to add a prolific striker like him to their ranks, and it was seen as somewhat of a coup when the club paid £27 million for him [BBC Sport].
But that decision seems to have backfired, and considering the age of the German, the Irons should’ve probably gone for someone younger in hindsight.
Michail Antonio has been the one Julen Lopetegui has relied on in the absence of the 31-year-old, but while the Jamaica international has been a great servant for the club, he can’t be the starting number nine if the Irons at all are ambitious.
Fullkrug’s injury isn’t his fault, but the forward’s appearance on a TV show at a time when both he and West Ham are struggling feels a bit distasteful.
If the Germany international isn’t serious about his recovery, then it would be prudent for the club to already start pondering a replacement.
In other West Ham news, Ray Parlour shares a ‘tough’ verdict ahead of the Nottingham Forest game.
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