(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Tue 28 April 2026 15:10, UK

Niclas Fullkrug has held talks with Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg ahead of a possible permanent exit from West Ham United this summer.

The Hammers are desperate to get the striker off the books at the London Stadium, after what has been a failed move from Borussia Dortmund back in 2024.

The 33-year-old costs David Sullivan a pretty penny in wages, and though currently on loan with Serie A giants AC Milan, it’s unlikely that he will stay there beyond this season.

As it stands, the German will be returning to Rush Green in the summer, but given his poor form in Italy, it’s unlikely that he will force his way into Nuno Espirito Santo‘s thoughts.

West Ham want to get rid of Fullkrug, and the transfer progression with Wolfsburg will have Sullivan blown away.

Wolfsburg very keen to seal deal for Niclas Fullkrug

Wolfsburg have shown interest in Fullkrug recently, and the only reason they may be attracted the forward is because of his previous form in Germany.

It’s what made the Hammers make a move almost two years ago, and maybe he needs a return home to rediscover his form, as it’s just been the same in Italy.

As seen in the table above, Fullkrug’s poor form with West Ham has followed him to the Serie A, and how any team wants him this summer is quite remarkable.

According to Florian Plettenberg this Tuesday, Fullkrug has been in direct talks with Wolfsburg, who see the striker as a “dream transfer” this summer.

The Bundesliga outfit are said to see the veteran number nine as a possible leader for their squad if they manage to avoid relegation, but no official decision has been made yet.

Fullkrug’s wages main reason for inevitable West Ham exit

Pre-season had West Ham thinking that they would finally see the best of Fullkrug this campaign, but his loan exit in the winter painted the picture once more.

The Irons overpaid for Fullkrug, and injuries have prevented him from gaining momentum in E20, but his salary seems to be a key reason for the lack of patience left with him.

Fullkrug is on £90,000 per week at West Ham, though AC Milan are currently paying a large portion of the forward’s salary.

With Wolfsburg keen on signing the former Dortmund star, West Ham may still somehow bank a small fee for the centre-forward this summer, who is contracted to the London Stadium until 2028.