Niclas Fullkrug exit ‘not excluded’ at West Ham in January as potential transfer destination shared
Niclas Fullkrug could be in line for a shock exit from West Ham in the January transfer window.
The German striker arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024, but has since found life difficult in East London, with just three goals to his name so far.
Fullkrug is currently out injured for West Ham, which has become a recurring theme of his time at the London Stadium since he moved from his homeland.
Nuno Espirito Santo looks set to be without the £27million man for a significant period, and he may even have to discount the 32-year-old from his plans altogether moving forward.
Niclas Fullkrug could leave West Ham for Italy
Fullkrug struggled in West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal before the international break, and he is yet to find the back of the net in a competitive game so far this term.
The frontman had a bright pre-season campaign, with goals coming against Everton, Bournemouth and Lille, but he hasn’t been able to translate that into success in the Premier League.
- Fullkrug has still made less than 30 competitive appearances for West Ham
- He has managed just three competitive goals in that time
His issues have now been compounded with yet another injury problem, and his time in E20 could on the verge of drawing to a close.
German outlet Bild are reporting that the possibility of Fullkrug leaving the Hammers during the January transfer window is “not excluded,” with Italy named as a possible destination for the veteran.
They note that he has missed a total of 204 days through injury since his move to England, and that doesn’t factor in the extent of his latest lay-off.
However, it is also understood that Fullkrug’s current wages could act as a barrier to any potential transfer, with the striker thought to be earning around £75,000 per week at West Ham.
Nuno Espirito Santo can’t afford to give Niclas Fullkrug any more time
Fullkrug has had plenty of chances at West Ham, and given their current predicament, they simply cannot keep waiting for him to come good.
Nuno’s side cannot shy away from the fact that they are facing a genuine relegation battle to try and preserve their Premier League status, and they need a reliable goalscorer in order to achieve that.
The fans and the club clearly want to keep their faith in Fullkrug, but there are only so many chances you can give a player before you have to accept that you have made a mistake.
His signing has not worked out by any means, and West Ham could easily find themselves in the Championship next term if they do not find a way of replacing him.
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