Before the Euro’s began, I read an article with the head-line “What happened to the world-class German strikers?”- bemoaning the fact that there was a lack of highly skilled strikers. Germany’s attacking options were shared between Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug, with the latter being their only real out and out striker option. The former Borussia Dortmund player rewarded his country with 2 goals in 5 appearances.
He was certainly a late bloomer, making his debut in 2022 on the international stage, and was the top scorer in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen in 2022, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Indeed between 2019-2023 he scored an impressive 45 goals in 90 appearances. This led to Borussia Dortmund securing his services last season, for £11m and £2m add-ons, and he duly bagged 12 goals.
West Ham have reportedly paid a £27m transfer fee and offered a four year contract for a player who will turn 32 in February next year, the total package will be approximately £60m.
There are mixed views on this signing, with a three person strike force and combined age of ninety-seven, some Hammers fans would have preferred a younger player. Yet this says a lot about the price tags and the pool of available talent.
It is no secret that the clubs first choice was Jhon Duran, yet £40m for a twenty year old, who has five goals in thirty-five for his club, and one in ten for his country is arguably a big risk, while when the Hammers enquired about Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, a similarly untested striker, the fee being quoted was £40m – which Chelsea are considering paying!
To give a better indication of the transfer market – one doesn’t have to look much further than Manchester City’s impending sale of Julian Alvarez in a deal that could be as high as £81m including add-ons. A return of 20 goals in 67 from the Argentinian during his time in the Premier League.
The addition of Fullkrug is clearly a short term fix in an area that has plagued the club for many years. Indeed since Sullivan took over the club in 2010 they have spent over £300m on more than 50 forwards.
However, there can be no mistake that the German is well thought of and has delivered at the highest level. He is known for being a powerhouse forward who excels in holding up possession, running with the ball, and scoring with both his head and feet.
Lets hope he can continue this form in a claret and blue shirt!
“There are mixed views on this signing” There really shouldn’t be for anyone that has watched him play. Or are you hung up on money that isn’t yours?