AC Milan are lining up a shock January loan move for West Ham United's out-of-favour German striker, Niclas Füllkrug, as the Italian giants seek to solve their own attacking concerns.
A Disastrous Spell in East London
The 32-year-old Germany international has endured a miserable time since his £27.5 million summer 2024 switch from Borussia Dortmund. Signed on a four-year deal under former technical director Tim Steidten, Füllkrug's acquisition is now viewed internally at the London Stadium as one of the club's worst recent transfer mistakes.
His struggles have been stark: Füllkrug has failed to find the net in nine appearances across all competitions this season. He was once again omitted from the matchday squad for West Ham's recent 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa, underscoring his complete exile from manager Nuno Espírito Santo's thinking. The striker has not started a game since 4 October.
The Financial Hurdle and Milan's Solution
West Ham's desire to move the player on is clear, but his substantial wages have proven a major obstacle to a permanent sale. This has opened the door for a temporary exit. It is understood that a loan deal to Serie A's AC Milan for the remainder of the season is now a genuine possibility, offering the Hammers a route to get his salary off their books.
Füllkrug's time in England has been plagued by injury issues and a failure to adapt to the Premier League's pace. In total, he has managed just three goals in 11 league starts for the club.
West Ham's January Overhaul Plans
With his side languishing in 18th place and in dire need of a proven goalscorer, Nuno is keen to recruit a forward with experience of English football. The club has shown interest in Norwich City's American striker, Josh Sargent, though talks are not yet advanced.
To fund any incoming business, West Ham are willing to listen to offers for other squad players. James Ward-Prowse and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme – another signing attributed to Steidten – could be offloaded. There is also potential interest from Brazil for playmaker Lucas Paquetá. Beyond a striker, Nuno has also prioritised signing a new centre-back to shore up a leaky defence.
