Werder Bremen are keen on extending West Ham United striker Niclas Füllkrug’s stay beyond this season, after signing him on loan in the summer window.
The Germany international spent four years with the Bundesliga side and left them for Borussia Dortmund in 2023. He starred for BVB in his debut season, convincing West Ham to sign him in August 2024.
However, Füllkrug failed to replicate his Dortmund form at the London club. He managed three goals and two assists from 29 matches for the Hammers.
The 33-year-old joined AC Milan on loan in January and finished the spell with only one goal and the Serie A side didn’t exercise the purchase option. In the summer, he returned to West Ham, who dropped out of the Premier League, and joined Werder Bremen on loan in August.
West Ham man excelling in Germany
His decision to leave Nuno Espírito Santo’s side has paid off as he scored five goals from six matches. To put it in context, Niclas Füllkrug surpassed his West Ham United and AC Milan goal tally in the first few weeks at Werder Bremen.
Last month, the frontman admitted he couldn’t adapt to the needs of English football.
He said: “You only need to look at my medical history: I suffered a lot, but almost never because of muscle injuries. I can’t really explain why things went so badly for me at West Ham. England just isn’t the right fit for me, either as a player or as an athlete.”
The player has put the Hammers disappointment behind him and is enjoying life at Werder Bremen. However, there’s no clarity on where he will play after this season.
West Ham have big say on transfer
Werder Bremen haven’t secured a purchase clause with West Ham United. Therefore, the attacker has to return to the Championship side after this season and Sky Deutschland state his future is ‘completely open’.
Niclas Füllkrug had a good start to the loan spell, scoring in the last four consecutive matches. He ‘feels completely at home’ at the German club, who are also keen on keeping him beyond his loan spell.
His contract with the Hammers lasts until 2028, and this gives his parent club full control over his future. Besides this, the salary is also a concern for the Bundesliga side.
Depending on the league West Ham are in, he earns €2/4m per year. Füllkrug lowered his salary to return to his former club in the summer, and there’s no clarity whether he will take another pay cut.
Werder haven’t held talks with him, and the two parties are focusing on this season. A transfer mainly depends on the London club, who have to decide whether to sell him in 2027.
The attacker’s recent admission indicates he’s not keen on playing in England. Werder can take advantage of it to sign him for a lower price.
