West Ham’s signing of Niclas Fullkrug has divided opinion among some fans but now two former top level strikers have had their say.
West Ham United made a striking start to the week yesterday, quite literally.
The Hammers officially announced the signing of German international striker Niclas Fullkrug.
West Ham paid £23m with a possible further £3.5m in add-ons to Borussia Dortmund.
But the fee has been widely – and incorrectly – reported as between £27-30m.
That has raised eyebrows given the fact Fullkrug turns 32 next season.
When news emerged that West Ham were switching their attentions from former prime target Jhon Duran to Fullkrug, some supporters voiced their disappointment.
The contrasting profiles of Villa’s 20-year-old Colombian and 31-year-old Fullkrug were lost on many West Ham supporters and observers.
West Ham signing Fullkrug divides opinion
Duran being a young, exciting, pacy forward with potential and Fullkrug, 11 years his senior who is ready to go now but with the clock ticking down on his career in the coming seasons.
West Ham’s German technical director Tim Steidten knows Fullkrug well from their time together at Werder Bremen.
Steidten has explained why West Ham chose Fullkrug over Duran.
Those questioning the move feel there were better long-term replacements out there for West Ham’s ageing Michail Antonio.
Outside of the West Ham bubble, though, the signing of Fullkrug has raised eyebrows.
Rival supporters and journalists have been praising the move, saying it makes West Ham a serious side.
But who better to run the rule over the capture than two top level former professional strikers?
McCoist and Bent share views on West Ham signing Fullkrug
Ally McCoist and Darren Bent have strong views on West Ham signing Fullkrug.
And their fellow pundit Andy Townsend has thrown his two cents in for good measure as well.
Fan favourite McCoist scored 424 goals in 838 senior career games for club and country.
Bent meanwhile hit 221 goals in 581 career games with four in an England shirt.
The duo and Townsend have been speaking about the Hammers signing Fullkrug.
And they had nothing but good things to say about the move.
“I like him,” McCoist said.
“I don’t like using the term old-fashioned centre-forward, but he’s a proper centre-forward.
“He brings people into play, can go in behind, he’s powerful and attacks things in the box.”
‘A lovely first touch and good signing’
Bent was of the same opinion as McCoist, saying it’s a good signing for West Ham, lauding his touch and hold-up play.
“He is good,” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“I thought he was good for Dortmund last year. Lovely first touch and by the way, his hold-up (play, wow). I thought he did reasonably well in the Euros as well.
“I mean, I know Kai Havertz was the guy who started as the centre-forward, but Fullkrug, I like him. For West Ham, I like that. I think he will be a good signing for West Ham.”
Townsend says West Ham have the perfect focal point for their host of attacking talent.
“Nowadays because most of the number 9s are up there on their own, you are looking for someone that is always playing on the last shoulder who is very, very quick, who can exploit any space in behind the backline,” Townsend said.
“But he is not that. He is not that type of player. He is more of a focal point, a target man, so he is going to need deliveries, he is going to need some service.
“He has got plenty of good energy around him. I think West Ham have made some good signings.”
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