Speculation over the future of West Ham United striker Niclas Fullkrug is only going to increase as the January transfer window looms into view for Nuno Espirito Santo’s resurgent Premier League outfit.
So sorting out the truth from the falsehoods, the genuine from the ‘fake news’, is the challenge now facing those with an interest in any comings and goings at the London Stadium.
Already, some rather contrasting claims have emerged from Niclas Fullkrug’s German homeland.
While Hammers News have been informed that West Ham want a replacement for Fullkrug lined up before they agree to a potential winter sale, Sky Deutschland reporter Patrick Berger indicated last week that a two-horse race had opened up between a pair of sides struggling down the bottom of the Bundesliga.
As Champions League-chasing Stuttgart play down a move for Fullkrug – the West Ham United striker is yet to score a single goal in another injury-interrupted campaign – Berger claimed that VFL Wolfsburg and FC Augsburg are queuing up to offer the veteran targetman a return home.
Though, according to sources based in Bavaria, things are not quite as advanced as others seem to believe.
Augsburg’s Niclas Fullkrug talks played down as West Ham United uncertainty reigns
The Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper today back up Berger’s claims that Fullkrug has an ‘excellent relationship’ with the head coach at the Augsburg Arena; Sandro Wagner. The latter worked with the former during his spell as an assistant to German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.
However, while Berger added that Bayern Munich’s near neighbours had ‘contacted his management’, the Augsburger Allgemeine insist that things have not reached such a stage just yet.
“According to our sources, no talks have yet taken place,” they write.
The paper also explains that Wolfsburg should not be written off, even if that Wagner connection may give Augsburg a slight advantage. Presuming the rookie boss is still in charge by January, that is.
Wagner has lost eight of his 12 games in charge.
“Wolfsburg’s chances are also not bad,” the Bavarian-based publication adds. “Firstly, for financial reasons, and secondly, Wolfsburg is relatively close to Fullkrug’s hometown of Hanover, where he is currently building a house.”
Patrick Berger thinks Wolfsburg would be ‘a good fit’
Speaking of finances, an obvious ‘hurdle’ is Niclas Fullkrug’s wages. The £27 million signing from Borussia Dortmund reportedly takes home £75,000-a-week at the London Stadium, and that is after tax.
“One thing is clear; Fullkrug earns a lot of money in London,” Berger wrote on his X account. “Around 4.5 million euros net. So, that’s quite a hurdle for some clubs.
“Wolfsburg is a good fit, especially because they’re going through a difficult period. They are lacking many of those leaders, players who can inspire the fans and the club, who can speak up in the locker room. At Dortmund, he quickly became one of the leaders, and what makes him so interesting is that he can function very well in a two-striker formation.
“The same applies to FC Augsburg, who are very focused on crosses, where Fullkrug could be perfectly positioned.
“Above all, Fullkrug has a very good connection with Sandro Wagner, Nagelsmann’s former assistant coach. He knows him very well from the national team.”
West Ham linked with various replacements including Joshua Zirkzee and Ivan Toney
Agent Thorsten Wirtz set the ball running a few weeks ago when he admitted that Fullkrug’s West Ham transfer has not worked out for his client. While a tally of three Premier League goals is underwhelming enough, a never-ending streak of fitness problems have also limited the 32-year-old to just eleven top-flight starts under Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and now Nuno Espirito Santo.
The aforementioned Nagelsmann is keen for Fullkrug to secure regular game time, too, with his World Cup hopes already dwindling.
Who would you pick to replace Niclas Fullkrug at West Ham?
In terms of potential replacements, West Ham recently contacted Manchester United to enquire about Joshua Zirkzee’s availability. An injury to Benjamin Sesko could complicate matters there. Via his Patreon site, reporter Alan Nixon claimed that former Brentford talisman Ivan Toney is an option, while Brazilian duo Endrick and Kaio Jorge have also been mentioned.
Hammers News understands that West Ham held discussions with Real Madrid about Endrick, though Lyon are now leading the charge for the teenager. Cruzeiro hitman Kaio Jorge has been ‘offered’ via intermediaries, alongside Pedro of Flamengo.
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