Graham Potter’s comments on Niclas Fullkrug backfire as West Ham star set for exit
When West Ham captured Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, many thought the German would have fixed their goalscoring woes.
Fullkrug was a respected striker in the Bundesliga, scoring 12 and assisting eight during the 2023/24 campaign.
But since moving to the London Stadium, injuries have derailed Fullkrug’s West Ham career, and the 32-year-old has only found the net three times in 27 appearances.
As a result, Fullkrug has submitted a transfer request to West Ham, and the German international is expected to leave the club in January.
What Graham Potter once said about Niclas Fullkrug
Fullkrug is currently out injured, although Nuno Espirito Santo does expect him to return after the international break.
That said, with the striker showcasing his desire to depart in the upcoming transfer window, it’s unlikely supporters will see much more of him.
Indeed, whilst Fullkrug has endured a disastrous 18 months in England, the towering centre-forward was once highly praised by former manager Graham Potter.
Speaking in April 2025, Potter told WHUFC.com: “We’ve been missing him, as well as some of the other attackers such as [Crysencio] Summerville and [Michail] Antonio, who are big players for us.
“I think you can see what he brings to the team. He’s unique, and a big, physical player, but he’s also intelligent, good around the box, and he has a good touch and technique.
“From our perspective, we just have to keep working with him, and keep getting him fitter and fitter. You can’t replicate Premier League minutes, but he’s worked hard in training and he’s prepared to play and take it step by step.“
Fullkrug has rarely shown the intelligence Potter described since moving to East London, and could soon have his exit confirmed.
Why Fullkrug was never going to work at West Ham
Standing at 6′ 2″, Fullkrug is a towering presence who thrives from ammunition being sent into the box.
The German is brilliant in the air and can dominate against defences, although being at West Ham hasn’t done him any favours.
| Niclas Fullkrug’s West Ham stats |
| 27 appearances |
| 3 goals |
| 2 assists |
The Premier League strugglers predominantly use inverted wingers, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville preferring to cut inside and shoot instead of crossing.
So, on the occasions Fullkrug has been fully fit, the forward has been starved of ammunition and that explains why he’s struggled.
With a return to Germany on the cards, the experienced striker will have an opportunity to get his career back on track and put this horror show firmly behind him.
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