According to Sky Germany, West Ham has entered the competition to sign Niclas Fullkrug, and the 31-year-old forward appears open to joining the Premier League club. West Ham has proposed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year, which could extend Fullkrug’s career at the club beyond his current Dortmund contract, which runs until 2026. The proposed salary at West Ham is in line with his current earnings at Dortmund, around €2.5 million (£2.1m/$2.7m) net per year.
Initially, Fullkrug hesitated about West Ham’s offer due to the potential loss of Champions League football. However, the prospect of playing in the Premier League, along with a long-term contract and the assurance of a starting role, has made him reconsider. Although he had hoped for a move to AC Milan, the Italian club was unable to meet his financial demands and withdrew from negotiations, making West Ham the leading candidate for his signature.
The Sky report also notes that Fullkrug has consulted with Germany’s coaching staff, including Julian Nagelsmann, Sandro Wagner, and Benjamin Gluck. They have reportedly advised him to consider the move to London, stressing the importance of regular playtime for World Cup preparations.
Dortmund is hesitant to part with Fullkrug as they plan to rely on him and Serhou Guirassy as their top strikers. However, they have set an asking price of €30 million (£25m/$33m) for the player and are willing to sell if a suitable offer is made.
West Ham has reportedly offered around €25 million (£21m/$27m), including bonuses. Though this offer falls short of Dortmund’s asking price, it puts pressure on Dortmund executives Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken. If Dortmund holds firm on the €30 million price, West Ham might reconsider and shift their focus to 20-year-old striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
A decision on Fullkrug’s future could come soon, possibly by Thursday evening, as West Ham plans to continue negotiations with Dortmund. Encouraged by Nagelsmann and attracted by the lucrative offer, Fullkrug must weigh the advantages of a Premier League move against leaving Dortmund and the Champions League. As talks progress, it remains to be seen where Fullkrug will be playing next season.