Niclas in trouble can’t believe what West Ham are trying to do now
West Ham United made headlines this past summer by securing the services of Niclas Füllkrug from Borussia Dortmund, a move that initially generated optimism but has quickly soured into frustration. The German international arrived at the London Stadium with a strong reputation, having proven his goal-scoring prowess in the Bundesliga. However, his short tenure with the Hammers has been marred by injuries and an apparent struggle to adapt to the relentless pace and physicality of Premier League football.
Füllkrug’s signing, orchestrated by West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten, appeared puzzling from the outset. The team’s urgent need was for a striker with blistering pace, agile movement, and a dynamic presence in the attacking third — qualities that the 31-year-old German does not embody. Instead of injecting speed and unpredictability into the attack, Füllkrug has contributed to a pedestrian style of play that often leaves West Ham toothless in front of goal.
A Transfer That Has Backfired
West Ham’s struggles in the attacking department have been glaring, and Füllkrug’s inability to make an impact has compounded their problems. Injury woes, including a significant Achilles issue that sidelined him for over two months, have prevented him from building any momentum. The frustration of the fans and, seemingly, the club’s decision-makers is evident, as whispers of a potential exit for Füllkrug are already surfacing.
Reports from Italian outlet il Bianco Nero indicate that West Ham have floated Füllkrug as an option to Juventus. However, the Serie A giants appear uninterested, a rejection that underscores the precarious state of affairs surrounding the striker. For a player who cost the Hammers a hefty £27.5 million, this development paints a grim picture of a misjudged investment.
Missed Opportunities and What Could Have Been
Many West Ham supporters are left wondering what might have been if the club had acted decisively in the summer transfer window. One name that frequently arises is Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán. The 20-year-old Colombian striker boasts explosive pace, raw talent, and potential — precisely the attributes West Ham sorely lack. Had the board been willing to invest in Durán, the Hammers’ attack could have been far more potent this season. Instead, they opted for the experience of Füllkrug, a gamble that now seems like a costly miscalculation.
A Glimmer of Hope or More Chaos?
Despite the mounting disappointment, Füllkrug recently provided a faint glimmer of hope by scoring his first goal for the club. Now that he has returned to full fitness, there’s a case to be made for giving him a sustained run in the side to assess his real value. Disposing of him in January, especially for a nominal fee or through a loan, could exacerbate West Ham’s striker woes. It would be a short-sighted move that offers no immediate solution and could lower his market value further.
Given the investment made in the summer, it makes more sense to retain Füllkrug for at least the remainder of the season. He might yet contribute meaningfully, even if only to help salvage some of the club’s investment by maintaining his value ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.
The Way Forward: Balancing Patience and Action
While Füllkrug’s situation is far from ideal, West Ham can still act wisely in January. The priority should be acquiring a young, pacey striker who can complement or eventually replace Füllkrug. Adding such a player to the squad would not only provide the dynamic option they desperately need but also reduce the pressure on the German to carry the burden alone.
In conclusion, while the Füllkrug experiment has largely failed thus far, writing him off completely and seeking a hasty exit in January would be a mistake. Instead, West Ham should take a pragmatic approach: extract as much value as possible from Füllkrug for the rest of the season, while also ensuring they bring in a striker who fits their long-term vision. If managed carefully, this could turn a disastrous situation into a learning experience that propels the club forward.
