Niclas Füllkrug’s difficult spell in Italy looks to be nearing its end, but the West Ham striker may not be short of options when the summer window opens.
The Germany international, currently on loan at AC Milan, has struggled to establish himself since arriving at San Siro in December 2025. What began as an opportunity to revive Milan’s misfiring attack has quickly turned into a frustrating spell on the fringes.
Now, with AC Milan increasingly unlikely to make the move permanent, fresh interest is emerging elsewhere in Serie A.
According to Calciomercato, Fabio Paratici is pushing for Fiorentina to explore a deal for the West Ham forward this summer.
Fiorentina see value in Füllkrug experience
Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that ACF Fiorentina view Füllkrug as a valuable short-term addition, particularly because of the leadership and experience he could offer in a changing attacking department.
Fiorentina could lose both Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean at the end of the season, creating space for at least two forward arrivals.
The plan, according to the report, would be to recruit a younger long-term striker while pairing him with Füllkrug as an experienced presence — effectively a mentor figure within the squad.
That role appears to suit the former Borussia Dortmund striker, whose experience at both club and international level remains highly valued despite a disappointing campaign.
AC Milan spell has failed to deliver
Füllkrug’s loan at AC Milan began with optimism.
Milan were struggling badly in attack at the time of his arrival, and the expectation was that his physical presence and penalty-box instincts could stabilise their frontline.
Instead, his impact has been minimal.
| Stat (2025/26) | Niclas Füllkrug |
|---|---|
| Serie A appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Starts | 5 |
Source: league match data – 28 April 2026
The numbers underline the struggle. More importantly, recent team selections suggest manager Massimiliano Allegri no longer sees him as a first-choice option, preferring to deploy Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão in advanced roles.
His missed penalty against Pisa earlier this month only added to the sense that the move has not worked.
Why this matters for West Ham
From West Ham’s perspective, Fiorentina’s interest could be timely.
Füllkrug remains under contract at the London Stadium, and the Hammers would likely prefer a permanent transfer rather than reintegrating him into a squad that is already expected to undergo attacking changes this summer.
His wages and age mean West Ham may not command a major fee, but interest from Italy and potentially Germany gives them leverage.
However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, as formal negotiations have not yet started.
That said, the existence of multiple interested clubs could improve West Ham’s negotiating position.
Key insights
- Milan will not trigger Füllkrug’s €5m buy clause
- Fiorentina want experience in their next attacking rebuild
- West Ham are open to moving the striker permanently
- German clubs could yet enter the race
- A summer decision looks increasingly likely
What’s next?
Füllkrug is expected to return to West Ham once Milan’s season concludes, but attention will quickly turn to the transfer market. Fiorentina’s interest could develop into formal talks in the coming weeks, particularly if Moise Kean departs.
West Ham will likely assess all offers before pre-season begins in July, with the striker’s representatives also exploring Bundesliga possibilities.
Much will depend on which clubs move first — but the direction of travel now feels clear.
Would Füllkrug suit Fiorentina’s rebuild, or should West Ham push for a Bundesliga return instead?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *