AC Milan eye surprise January swoop for West Ham striker amid European interest

Milan join race for West Ham forward

West Ham United could be preparing to part ways with Niclas Fullkrug in January, with reports from TeamTalk and Tuttomercatoweb suggesting that AC Milan are considering a move for the striker. The German international, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for £27 million in the summer of 2024, has endured a frustrating time in London.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recorded a much-needed 3-2 win over Burnley at the weekend, easing pressure and keeping their survival hopes alive. However, Fullkrug’s absence once again highlighted his fading role in the squad. Injuries have plagued his spell in the Premier League, and his current thigh issue has ruled him out of contention once more.

Despite featuring 27 times for the Hammers and scoring only three goals, Fullkrug’s reputation in Europe remains intact. AC Milan view him as an experienced option who could bolster their frontline, particularly with current forwards struggling for fitness and form.

European interest grows

According to TeamTalk’s transfer insider Dean Jones, Bundesliga clubs Stuttgart and Hamburg are also monitoring the situation. Both sides are considering a January approach, likely proposing a loan deal initially, given the striker’s age and injury record.

Milan’s interest, however, could shift the dynamic. Serie A leaders are looking for immediate reinforcement, with Massimiliano Allegri keen to find a reliable alternative to Santiago Gimenez, who has struggled to make the desired impact since arriving in the summer. Chelsea loanee Christopher Nkunku has also failed to deliver consistent output in the attacking third, further prompting Milan’s search.

West Ham, meanwhile, are believed to prefer a permanent transfer. Selling Fullkrug would allow the club to reinvest, with Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee among those being scouted. Such moves would indicate a shift in direction under Nuno, aiming to blend youth and athleticism into the frontline.

West Ham’s rebuild continues

Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that he wants a more dynamic attacking unit. Fullkrug’s profile, though admired for his hold-up play and aerial ability, does not entirely suit the fast, counter-attacking transitions that Nuno favours. The Portuguese manager’s early line-ups reflected that preference, with Fullkrug starting the first two matches before falling out of the rotation.

While the Germans’ departure appears likely, it also underlines a wider rebuild at the London Stadium. Recruitment under pressure, the club must find the right balance between experience and future planning, especially as the battle for survival intensifies.

For Fullkrug, a move to Milan or back to Germany may reignite his career ahead of a crucial year, particularly with the World Cup approaching. West Ham’s priority, however, will remain survival, and difficult transfer decisions may soon follow.

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West Ham supporters have seen glimpses of his quality but too often watched him struggle for rhythm due to injuries. His aerial presence and work rate once promised to give the team a different dimension, yet the consistency never came.

Fans are realistic enough to know that sentiment does not win survival battles. If a club like AC Milan comes forward with a respectable offer, it may be best for all parties. There’s also the question of trust. Nuno Espirito Santo’s system relies on sharp movement, pressing intensity, and quick link-up play, qualities that haven’t always matched Fullkrug’s strengths.

The positive for Hammers supporters is the club’s ambition in looking at targets such as Vlahovic or Zirkzee. Both would bring energy and a forward-thinking profile suited to Nuno’s vision. Selling Fullkrug could fund a younger, more dynamic No.9 capable of leading the line for seasons to come.

It’s hard not to feel a touch of regret, though. When he arrived from Dortmund, there was genuine excitement. But football is unforgiving, and sometimes a fresh start abroad is the fairest outcome. For West Ham, the focus must now be on recruiting smartly and ensuring that January’s window becomes a springboard rather than a setback.