Niclas Fullkrug explains West Ham United transfer decision amid ‘attractive offers’ elsewhere
Niclas Fullkrug has explained the reasons behind his decision to join West Ham United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The Germany forward completed a £27million move to the London Stadium last month [BBC Sport, 5 August] and claimed he was realising a dream to play in the Premier League despite what he describes as “attractive offers” in other nations.
Fullkrug also cited Dortmund’s signing of striker Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart as a sign it was time to move on.
The 31-year-old said at a news conference on international duty, in quotes reported by Buli News [4 September]: “A transfer like the one BVB made [Guirassy] was not the greatest sign of confidence.
“In the end, it turned out that there were some attractive offers in the race alongside West Ham, which I looked at. I decided to make another dream come true.
“The Premier League is a very special place. I felt a tremendous conviction, a tremendous confidence.”
Niclas Fullkrug keen to make mark at West Ham
When the Hammers signed Fullkrug, there was an air of excitement due to the different dynamic and alternative option he brings.
A late bloomer into the German national side and having accumulated a healthy goalscoring record in recent years, Fullkrug is enjoying the best years of his career despite being north of 30, but the Premier League challenge is another fresh one.
In the mould of a throwback number nine, he provides a certain threat for Julen Lopetegui’s side but the Spaniard is yet to start him in the league this season.
It appears he along with several other exciting summer signings are being slowly bedded into the side, with Lopetegui opting instead to start Michail Antonio as the focal point of his attack.
Fullkrug was handed his first start in the Carabao Cup win over AFC Bournemouth but struggled to get into the game, needing to primarily rely on service which was not really forthcoming.
Time will tell for a proven striker whether the Irons were to be the right fit. If not, from his own perspective, he has at least realised his dream of the Premier League; for Lopetegui, it’s all about delivering on his price tag.
In other West Ham news, a potential move for a free agent defender with Premier League experience.
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