West Ham set to complete Niclas Füllkrug exit to AC Milan

West Ham United are set to complete their first piece of January business before the window has even opened, with Niclas Füllkrug edging closer to an exit after a frustrating spell in east London.

Reports across Italy and Germany have gathered pace in recent days, and the direction is now clear: Füllkrug is heading to AC Milan. The striker is understood to be waiting for the final green light to fly, with paperwork advancing quickly between the clubs as West Ham look to draw a line under a move that never truly ignited.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, contracts could be exchanged as early as Monday, effectively sealing an agreement that has been quietly progressing behind the scenes. For West Ham, it represents an early opportunity to reshape their squad under pressure, while for Milan it is viewed as a short-term gamble rather than a long-term commitment.

Füllkrug joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 amid cautious optimism. A late bloomer, the German forward had forced his way into international recognition and arrived with a reputation as a reliable, physical presence.

That promise, however, has not translated into Premier League success. Fitness issues, tactical fit and a lack of rhythm have all played their part, and the 32-year-old has struggled to make a meaningful impact when called upon.

AC Milan are fully aware of the risk. Italian reports describe the deal as an “emergency solution”, with the Rossoneri prioritising short-term cover rather than a transformational signing. Even so, they believe the terms agreed with West Ham justify taking the chance.

Corriere dello Sport report that Milan will cover €1.5m of Füllkrug’s salary between now and the end of the season. There is also said to be a €10m option to buy included in the agreement, but crucially no obligation. The decision on whether to activate that clause will rest entirely with the Serie A side.

In our view, this is a pragmatic decision rather than an admission of failure. Having followed West Ham’s recruitment closely in recent seasons, not every calculated risk has paid off — and this is one the club are now correcting early.

For Füllkrug, Serie A offers a different rhythm and tactical environment, one that may suit his strengths more naturally than the Premier League’s intensity. For Milan, the lack of obligation limits exposure. And for West Ham, it is a chance to reset and refocus resources elsewhere.

Although some may question why the move did not work, the reality is that timing, fitness and fit all matter. This deal acknowledges that reality without prolonging the problem.

The timing is notable, with West Ham facing a demanding away fixture against Manchester City later today. While Füllkrug’s future edges closer to resolution, Nuno Espírito Santo’s focus remains on navigating immediate challenges with the squad at hand.

If paperwork is finalised on Monday as expected, Füllkrug will travel to Italy to complete the formalities of his move and begin a new chapter with AC Milan. Attention at West Ham will then shift to how they reinvest time and resources in January, with attacking reinforcement likely to move higher up the agenda.

👉 West Ham fans — is this the right moment to cut ties with Füllkrug, or should he have been given more time to settle?