West Ham United make free-agent transfer decision after Niclas Fullkrug update
West Ham United will not explore a deal for a free-agent striker after a new Niclas Fullkrug update emerged, according to Sean Whetstone.
Whetstone reported via the West Ham Football X account (11 September) that the Irons will not look to secure a new number nine even though Fullkrug has picked up an injury whilst on international duty.
The German international’s Achilles injury is thought to only be minor and he is not expected to be sidelined for too long after he was spotted withdrawing early from a training session with the German national side [Kerry Hau, 9 September].
Reports had suggested that the Hammers were exploring a deal for former Barcelona and Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay to bolster their ranks following Fullkrug’s injury [Give Me Sport, 10 September].
Are West Ham close to any new signings after the transfer deadline at the London Stadium?
While some supporters will feel as though the Hammers are slightly short of attacking options following Fullkrug’s injury, there are several players waiting in the wings who are more than capable of stepping into the fold.
Michail Antonio is returning to the London Stadium having scored whilst on international duty with Jamaica, Jarrod Bowen has featured for a number nine under Lee Carsley and Danny Ings has impressed during pre-season.
Fullkrug is yet to even have made a Premier League start in claret and blue so it isn’t like Lopetegui’s entire match plan has been thrown into doubt.
The former Real Madrid boss will likely continue with Antonio through the middle when the Hammers face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday (14 September) and it will instead be Ings who replaces him from the bench.
Hopefully, Fullkrug will be back fit and available sooner rather than later. Ultimately, it would be pointless to pay a free agent a signing-on fee and a wage for the next few months to provide cover for a matter of weeks while the German is injured.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has been left “fed up” by Aston Villa’s stance around a transfer for Jhon Duran
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