AC Milan have agreed a loan deal with West Ham United for Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug, with an option to buy at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has struggled since his £27.5 million move from Borussia Dortmund in summer 2024, managing only three goals in 11 league starts for the Hammers.
West Ham, currently 18th in the Premier League after six games without a win, hope the departure will free up funds for manager Nuno Espírito Santo to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window. The club are targeting a new forward to aid their relegation battle.
West Ham have shown interest in Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen but are reluctant to meet the £40 million valuation. The Norwegian has scored just once in the league this season, and West Ham's limited budget makes the deal too expensive. Nuno prefers a player with Premier League experience, with Callum Wilson currently the only senior striker available.
Füllkrug has not started a match since 4 October, and his signing is considered one of the worst mistakes by former technical director Tim Steidten. West Ham tried to offload him last summer but his wages deterred buyers. Milan will cover his wages during the loan but refused to include an obligation to buy.
Nuno also seeks a new centre-back and may revive interest in Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell. To increase their transfer budget, West Ham could sell James Ward-Prowse, Luis Guilherme, or Lucas Paquetá, with Brazilian clubs circling for the latter.
