Why AC Milan Were So Keen To Sign Niclas Fullkrug Despite West Ham Woes
The striker is inching closer to joining until the end of the season.
AC Milan made a surprise U-turn on their interest in Niclas Fullkrug, it has been revealed.
AC Milan Closing In On Niclas Fullkrug Loan
The striker is moving closer to a loan move to the San Siro and will join until the end of the season.
Fullkrug, who has endured a torrid 18-month spell at West Ham, wanted to move on and set his sights on Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri is known to want to strengthen his attacking options next month, with Milan having kept a close eye on the 32-year-old’s Premier League dilemma over the past few months.
They believe Fullkrug can thrive in Italy and provide competition for Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku.
The deal will be a straight loan, with no fee or obligation to buy. Milan will also cover 100 per cent of his wages.
Why AC Milan Chose Niclas Fullkrug
Speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that Fullkrug was not a priority target for Milan, only for him to shoot up the shortlist after several discussions.
“Fullkrug was among the names for several months ago, but he wasn’t the favourite,” said Moretto.
“Then, due to a series of evaluations regarding cost and quality, he climbed the pecking order, and Igli Tare intends to secure him as soon as possible.”
Moretto then confirmed that the target man is prioritising Milan, adding: “We expect a significant acceleration in the next few days.”
Transfer expert Romano, meanwhile, reported that Fullkrug had rejected interest from his native Germany.
“Fullkrug prefers Italy, even though he’s German and has two offers from Germany, both clubs ready to accommodate him,” said Romano.
“But when he called Milan to gather information, to study how to secure him, Fullkrug gave Milan total priority.”
Niclas Fullkrug Signing Is Smart Business
Fullkrug’s West Ham statistics since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2024 have been poor. He has failed to score in nine appearances this season, and the club unsuccessfully tried to get him off the books in the summer.
Despite shining in Dortmund, the striker has mustered up just three goals in 11 league starts.
He will join Milan with a point to prove and, at least on paper, will be a handful for Serie A defenders. He is a physical presence and a proven goal scorer, his time in the Premier League aside.
Indeed, Fullkrug has impressed for Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Hannover 96 in Germany. This record, combined with the fact that he will arrive in a low-cost deal, means that Milan truly have nothing to lose.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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