West Ham Face Expensive Füllkrug Decision Despite Goal Rush

Sometimes with footballers, a club simply has to accept defeat, cut its losses and move on. Unfortunately for West Ham, Niclas Füllkrug is one of those players. The German striker may be enjoying a resurgence at Werder Bremen, but that does not necessarily mean the Hammers should reconsider their decision to let him leave.

The West Ham Way reports, that West Ham would accept a minimal fee to make his Bremen move permanent. That sounds extraordinary for a player currently enjoying an outstanding run in Germany, but there is far more to this situation than goals and resale value.

Claret & Hugh spoke to numerous West Ham insiders during the summer, and their assessments were remarkably consistent. We were told Füllkrug had become disruptive to team spirit and that Nuno Espírito Santo wanted him gone. If those relationships have broken down beyond repair, his recent goals do little to change the situation.

Some Relationships Cannot Be Repaired

It is important not to place every unwanted player into the same category. Maxwel Cornet, for example, has returned from loan, reintegrated into daily training and even reminded Nuno of his qualities.

Cornet may not be selected regularly, but his presence does not appear to disturb the balance or morale of the group. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Füllkrug or Jean-Clair Todibo.

As C&H exclusively revealed yesterday, Lens want to return Todibo, but West Ham do not want him back. Once relationships have deteriorated to that extent, the selling club’s negotiating position inevitably becomes weaker.

West Ham Have More To Lose Than A Transfer Fee

Füllkrug has rediscovered his goalscoring touch at Bremen, but that does not mean West Ham should suddenly reconsider his future. The damage has already been done, and bringing him back into Nuno’s squad would risk disturbing a dressing room that has been carefully rebuilt.

West Ham initially hoped to receive £5 million for the striker, as our August exclusive revealed. That valuation now appears to have been abandoned despite his prolific form in Germany.

It is dreadful transfer business and an enormous financial write-off. However, there comes a stage when recovering a fee becomes less important than removing the salary, closing the chapter and protecting the environment Nuno has created.

West Ham may ultimately have to accept whatever Werder Bremen are willing to offer. This is one transfer where admitting a very expensive mistake is preferable to making it worse.