Niclas Füllkrug’s Premier League adventure looks set to end prematurely, with reports in Germany claiming the West Ham United striker is ready to quit England in January.
According to BILD and journalist Marcel Reif, the 32-year-old forward is “on the verge” of leaving the Hammers just months after arriving, as his move to London has failed to spark. Despite signing a long-term deal until 2028, both player and agent now believe a winter exit “could make sense.”
Füllkrug’s West Ham Move Branded a Mistake
Füllkrug joined West Ham with high expectations following a prolific spell in the Bundesliga, where he finished as top scorer with Werder Bremen in 2022/23. But his time in the Premier League has been marked by injuries, inconsistency, and tactical misfit.
His agent Thorsten Wirth appeared on the TOMorrow Business Podcast, where he hinted strongly that both sides are now considering an amicable separation.
“That always has to happen in cooperation with the club, but I think it could make sense to make a change,” Wirth said, admitting that the move to West Ham “could now be considered a wrong one.” — Thorsten Wirth, via *TOMorrow Business Podcast*
It’s a frank admission from the striker’s camp, suggesting that confidence in the West Ham project has evaporated after a difficult few months in London.
Hamburg Emerging as a Potential Escape Route
BILD report that Füllkrug “wants to leave England” and could return to the Bundesliga in January, with Hamburg (HSV) identified as a potential destination. For the German club — battling inconsistency in attack — a proven domestic goalscorer could be an attractive short-term option.
Marcel Reif endorsed the idea, telling BILD that the move would make sense for both sides.
“Füllkrug has really slipped under the radar. He overplayed his hand in England. He certainly had the confidence. But then came injuries and consequently, adjustment problems,” Reif explained. — Marcel Reif, *BILD*
He added that a Bundesliga return could reignite Füllkrug’s confidence and scoring touch.
“Strikers who can score more than eight goals are always helpful, and he can do that.” — Marcel Reif
The Numbers Behind the Decline
| Stat (2025/26) | Niclas Füllkrug |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots per Match | 1.5 |
source: Transfermarket data – 3 November 2025
For a player who netted 56 Bundesliga goals across previous spells with Bremen, Hannover, and Nürnberg, those returns are far below expectations. His lone strike in nine league appearances highlights a lack of rhythm and adaptation to the Premier League’s pace and physicality.
Our View: Logical Return, but Reputation at Stake
In our view, Füllkrug’s potential return to Germany feels inevitable. His combination of physicality and poacher’s instinct was tailor-made for the Bundesliga, but West Ham’s transitional, counter-heavy system hasn’t suited his style. In England, he’s often been isolated up front, struggling to link with midfield runners or receive consistent service.
A move back home — especially to a club like HSV chasing promotion momentum — could help him regain sharpness and relevance. But it will also test whether the 32-year-old can still deliver at the level that once made him a national team regular. If he fades again, this could be his last major move.
Key Insights
- Niclas Füllkrug reportedly “on the verge of leaving” West Ham after poor start.
- Agent Thorsten Wirth admits the transfer “could be considered a wrong move.”
- BILD and Marcel Reif back a return to Bundesliga, with HSV named as option.
- Reif: “He overplayed his hand in England.”
- Striker has one goal in nine Premier League matches this season.
What’s Next for Füllkrug and West Ham
West Ham are expected to sanction talks in December, with clubs in both Germany and the Netherlands monitoring the situation. The Hammers’ priority will be to offload part of his salary while keeping options open for a younger striker in the summer window.
For Füllkrug, Hamburg’s interest could offer both familiarity and redemption — a final chance to prove that his Bundesliga scoring exploits were no fluke.
👉 West Ham fans — should the club cut its losses on Füllkrug, or give him one more chance to prove himself in London?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *