Milan Passes on Niclas Füllkrug, Schalke Sees Opportunity
AC Milan is reportedly unwilling to sign the striker permanently, even for a modest fee, and is already looking for his successor.
AC Milan has reportedly decided against making Niclas Füllkrug's loan move from West Ham permanent this summer. The Rossoneri are said to be unimpressed by the former German international and are actively searching for a new central forward to take his place.
Milan had the option to sign Füllkrug for a transfer fee of just five million euros, despite his contract with the Hammers extending until 2028. However, after numerous unconvincing appearances from the 33-year-old, the Rossoneri do not intend to activate this clause.
Füllkrug's future at West Ham also looks bleak. The London club is currently embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, occupying the first relegation spot. Due to numerous injuries over his year and a half with the Hammers, Füllkrug has made only sporadic appearances.
Could Füllkrug Succeed Dzeko at Schalke?
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Schalke 04 could reportedly offer a way out for Füllkrug. There has already been contact between the striker and the Royal Blues, who, with 40-year-old Edin Dzeko leading the line, are working towards a return to the Bundesliga. Should S04 secure promotion, Füllkrug would be a very attractive option for the club.
If West Ham were to demand a similar fee of around five million euros from Schalke for the attacker, the transfer could be achievable for the financially challenged Gelsenkirchen club. In the summer of 2024, West Ham had paid 27 million euros to Borussia Dortmund for Füllkrug.
Niclas Füllkrug's Statistics for West Ham and Milan in the 25/26 Season:
| Matches | 23 |
| Minutes Played | 842 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
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