As far as Niclas Fullkrug’s agent is concerned, the Germany international may already be coming towards the end of his Premier League career in the colours of West Ham United.
Fifteen months after joining from Borussia Dortmund in a reported £27 million deal – though former technical director Tim Steidten insists the actual price-tag was a bit lower – Niclas Fullkrug has a grand total of 11 top-flight starts and just three goals to his name.
Those miserable numbers are unlikely to improve any time soon, either. At least, not before West Ham United host Burnley in a proverbial six-pointer next Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed Fullkrug’s return to on-grass training ahead of the 3-1 victory over Newcastle. But with only one match between now and the November international break, Christmas trees may be up and Slade may be singing by the time he is back on a Premier League team sheet.
Thorsten Wirth, the 32-year-old’s agent, told the TOMorrow Business Podcast this week that Fullkrug may look to leave West Ham in the near future, too. Perhaps as early as the January transfer window.
But, as Hammers News have learned, the veteran beanpole is unlikely to have things all his own way.
West Ham United make decision on potential Niclas Fullkrug sale
Fullkrug has only slightly less than three years remaining on the long-term contract he signed back in 2025. In hindsight, a four-year deal probably made little sense for either party.
And, as chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey tells Hammers News, West Ham will not let Fullkrug leave in the New Year unless they have a replacement lined up.
Despite failing to score a single goal this season, and despite the fact that West Ham’s most fluid, threatening performance of the campaign came in his absence, a relegation-threatened outfit are wary of leaving themselves short of bodies in such a key department.
“I am told they won’t let [Fullkrug] out unless someone comes in, as we expected,” Bailey says.
Furthermore, signing a replacement is also a challenge fraught with difficulties.
As Hammers News reported back in October, and like with Mohammed Kudus’ controversial summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham may sacrifice Lucas Paqueta should their admittedly-hefty £60 million asking price be reached.
“West Ham have issues in terms of having to raise funds to buy, so that does mean that inevitably the big names and most sellable assets are going to be linked [with moves away],” Bailey said.
“If someone comes in with this asking price, which is around £60 million I am told, then, yeah, he could go.”
Real Madrid benchwarmer Endrick looks set for Lyon. A combination of his £100,000-a-week wages, plus a loan fee, means the Brazilian teenager is out of West Ham’s reach.
Furthermore, as David Ornstein tells NBC Sports, Manchester United have no plans to let Joshua Zirkzee go in January. Ivan Toney is expected to stay in Saudi Arabia. And one suspects that Sean Dyche will look to keep Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest, having worked with the New Zealand frontman so closely at Burnley.
Thorsten Wirth explains Fullkrug’s Premier League struggles
Callum Wilson started in Fullkrug’s absence as Eddie Howe’s team were beaten in East London. He, and a 20-year-old Callum Marshall, are the only senior centre-forwards at Nuno’s disposal right now.
“[A sale] always has to happen in coordination with the club, but I think it might make sense to make a change,” Wirth said, highlighting the niggling injuries which have prevented Fullkrug from building up steam.
“Many would probably agree that Niclas is a classic penalty-area striker – strong in the air, physically powerful, able to shield the ball – basically made for the Premier League.
“[But] in retrospect, you have to say the transfer didn’t work. There’s no sugar-coating it.
“Time and again, just when you thought, ‘now he’s coming, now he’ll show England it wasn’t just a good Euro and then nothing afterwards’, another injury came. And that’s a shame.
“He’s had a bit of negative momentum and also some bad luck.”