By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Striker Niclas Füllkrug still has interest from a major club in Italy’s Serie A, Claret & Hugh were told earlier today.
The former German international returned to West Ham for pre-season training, where he featured in a friendly against Colchester United, scoring after playing 45 minutes.
However, the club, and most importantly Nuno Espírito Santo, still believe the 33-year-old doesn’t have a future at the London Stadium and would prefer him to leave.
On the player’s part, he is also looking at his options and has tasked additional agents with helping to find him a new club.
Serie A Interest Remains
Claret & Hugh spoke to one of those agents today, who said:
“There is still interest from a big club in Italy but nobody will pay serious money because of his injury record.”
“I don’t think his body is up to the rigours of Championship football and his minutes would probably have to be managed.”
West Ham Face Writing Off Their Investment
The situation leaves West Ham in a position where they’ll likely have to write off the €27 million paid to Borussia Dortmund for the striker.
The reality is that Füllkrug has had more injuries than goals since joining the club.
The transfer might not be in the Marco Boogers category of disasters, but it ain’t much better given the money and wages spent.
Why would anyone in their right mind pay more than 50.000 for him? Not even sure he’s worth that, he’s going nowhere in a hurry, unless it’s for free!
As Fulkrug joined West Ham in August 2024 on a four year contract the club isn’t going to be writing off E27 million. It will be around half that amount as any write off will reflect his current book value. Not great but manageable.