By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham have missed out on an opportunity to offload wantaway striker Niclas Füllkrug, Claret & Hugh have discovered this morning.
The German scored in yesterday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Colchester at Rush Green after featuring during the first half.
Füllkrug’s inclusion — and his goal — prompted some supporters to speculate there might yet be a way back for the €27 million signing from Borussia Dortmund.
“No Way”
However, that theory was quickly dismissed by a West Ham source with excellent insight into the club.
“No way, he does not want to be here.”
The source continued:
“There was an offer on the table from a Serie A club but they weren’t offering a transfer fee. They’ve signed another striker now so won’t be back in.”
West Ham Holding Out For A Fee
Much like the situation surrounding Jean-Clair Todibo, the West Ham hierarchy are understandably trying to secure permanent transfers rather than allowing players to leave on loan without bringing money back into the club.
Unfortunately for Füllkrug, his disappointing loan spell at AC Milan appears to have done him few favours.
The Serie A club held an option to sign the 33-year-old permanently but declined after he scored just one goal in 20 appearances.
That decision has now had a knock-on effect.
With one of Milan’s fellow Serie A outfit turning their attention elsewhere, West Ham have missed what looked to be one of their best opportunities to move Füllkrug on this summer.
For now, it appears both club and player will have to keep waiting.
It seems from Ex-WHU Employee that Fullkrug’s goal against Colchester was a pen
So we don’t know what his overall performance was like