Why Niclas Fullkrug could now leave West Ham United for nothing
Niclas Fullkrug has been one of the worst West Ham United signings in recent years.
Given how bad some of them have been at the London Stadium, that is quite some feat.
Nuno Espirito Santo started the Championship season with Taty Castellanos and Pablo in the final third, with no other options.
Fullkrug was a major part of Premier League demise, but was nowhere to be seen in the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor.
And now, he could be days away from leaving East London.
Despite several links coming to nothing, the one constant is that a return to Germany is most likely at this stage of his career.
Who could Niclas Fullkrug join next?
After a failed loan spell in Italy with AC Milan, it's best for all parties if the next move is permanent.
Fullkrug is said to be on around £75,000-a-week
That's according to BILD, who report that West Ham were also demanding a hefty fee for his sale.
The German newspaper states in its print edition on Monday that the Irons have lowered that demand to around £4.2m.
But, with no success at that, it's said that Fullkrug could leave for nothing, with former club Werder Bremen mentioned as a possible destination.
The striker can imagine a return "home", but would need to lower his current salary from England to make it happen.
West Ham must sanction any exit for Fullkrug
These sorts of signings are exactly why West Ham are in the mess they are in right now, fighting in the Championship.
Tim Steidten is no longer around, and it's his fault, alongside the boardroom who gave him control.
West Ham paid £27m to sign Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund back in 2024, despite him being 31-years-old already.
That is simply a disgrace.
He was never good enough to play outside of Germany at that stage of his career, and he proved that within weeks.
Thankfully, the Irons have brought in huge money from Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, so they aren't desperate to cover losses.
So, even getting rid of his huge weekly wages would be a huge boost to the Hammers, who must get Fullkrug out ASAP.