The Hammers’ dressing room and their Rush Green training ground must be a place of harmony and contentment these days. West Ham, unbeaten in all competitions in six games (how long has it been since we were last able to claim that, I wonder) is a club seeing the smiles back on the faces of supporters and players alike.
Even the official club ‘training ground images’ feature endless smiley, happy players and even the odd image of a smiling coach.
It’s no wonder. With the ‘undesirables’ now moved on, albeit temporarily, Nuno and his coaching staff seem to be building that crucial ‘esprit de corps’ that was so lacking twelve months ago.
Having Aaron Wan Bissaka and Jean Clair Todibo ‘rehomed’ for the season has helped. As the departure of veteran striker Niclas Fullkrug, who has discovered a new lease of life which could be more good news ahead for Nuno.
At last, loanee Fullkrug seems to have found a home where he’ll likely be wanted come the end of this season, despite his deal being a dry loan without option to purchase. As yahoo sports confirm:
“The veteran forward has hit the ground running [at loan side Werder Bremen], and it seems his career is finally back on track. While he is back scoring goals, with two in three Bundesliga appearances, it is not only his goalscoring that has caught the eye.
Fullkrug’s off-pitch efforts are also being highlighted for the Bremen-based side this season… Fullkrug has had an “invaluable” presence on the Werder Bremen squad, other than just his goals. They share about how Fullkrug acted as an “unofficial” assistant coach over the weekend from the sidelines after he was substituted off.
Finally found his niche? Nuno will hope so
The German went “full throttle” to push his teammates during the closing stages of their game against FC Koln.
With a West Ham contract running until 2028, Nuno will be delighted at the possibility of getting the forward off the club’s books permanently. Bremen would surely want him to remain if he carries on scoring goals at this rate: Unlikely indeed just three months ago where West Ham couldn’t give him away for even €4 million after Milan decided not to take up the cheap as chips purchase option at the end of last season’s loan.
Getting Fullkrug off the books finally and banking perhaps even £3 or £4 million quid towards next summer’s transfer budget suddenly looks like a realistic final solution for West Ham’s least successful transfer – providing of course, that he stays fit.