Niclas Fullkrug hints he turned down possible West Ham United transfer in the summer
German international striker Niclas Fullkrug has hinted he turned down a move to West Ham in the summer as he didn’t feel a “tingling sensation” about the move.
The striker ended up moving from Werder Bremen to Borussia Dortmund, staying in the Bundesliga, but claimed there was an offer on the table from an English club who compete in an international competition.
This fits the description of the East London club, who are competing in the Europa League this season and were linked with a move for the striker in the summer transfer window [ExWHUEmployee, 8 August].
Fullkrug spoke to German news outlet Bild on 11 October, when he revealed: “The club has repeatedly emphasized that things are not looking good economically and that they need to generate income.
“There weren’t that many players who would have fetched a high fee. But I also had moments in the summer when it was relatively clear to me that I wanted to stay at Werder.
“I then thought about it during the transfer phase. Shortly afterwards it became clear to me: If I take a step, it has to be one that makes me feel a tingling sensation in my stomach.
“For example, I could have gone to England, to a club that plays internationally. But I didn’t feel that tingling sensation to leave Werder.”
Would have been a top signing
The Hammers’ search for a new striker was well-documented in the summer transfer window, having lost Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, leaving them with just Michail Antonio and Danny Ings as their options for the centre-forward role.
Fullkrug would have been a top option for that position, not only because of his excellent goalscoring record in the Bundesliga last season but also because his style of play would suit David Moyes’ side perfectly.
His physical nature allows him to hold the ball up and bully defenders, while he also provides the goals by getting onto the end of moves often started himself, much like Antonio, but with plenty more goals.
The German has scored two goals and got one assist in five appearances so far for Borussia Dortmund, and he will be looking to kick on, while West Ham have thrived despite not getting that particular deal over the line.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has predicted one player to give his boss food for thought.