West Ham have signed forward, Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for £27.3m.
Fullkrug’s arrival at West Ham follows a solid summer for the 30 year-old as he scored twice for Germany in Euro 2024, despite the tournament hosts exiting at the Quarter-Final stage to eventual champions – Spain.
Fullkrug also was Dortmund’s top goalscorer last season in the Champions League with three goals, en-route to the Bundesliga club’s runner-up finish to Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium, London, in the Final.
Following weeks of negotiations, Dortmund accepted a £27.3m offer from West Ham, consisting of £23m initial fee plus £4.3m in add-ons.
Speaking about his move to East London on a three-year contract with option for a further year, Fullkrug is excited to make the switch and play Premier League football.
“I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new teammates,” commented Fullkrug.
“I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, and for me it is the right time to move over to England and play for a big Club like West Ham.
“I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now – I know the Technical Director Tim Steidten very well, because we have history at Werder Bremen together, and I have watched some games and seen how much quality there is in the team.
Fullkrug also credited Julen Lopetegui for his decision to join the Hammers, as he continued: “The chance to play under the Head Coach [Lopetegui] is also really exciting.
“His playing style is important for me, and I am confident that under him I will be able to perform at my best, and score lots of goals.
“I love being close to supporters, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the West Ham fans. I have a very good feeling at the moment – I’m strong, fit and in shape – and I just want to get out there and start playing for them.”
Fullkrug also shared a farewell message for Dortmund fans as he thanked the club for their support last season.
“I had an unbelievably good time at BVB. I would like to say thank you to everyone and I wish the club and its wonderful fans nothing but the best.”
West Ham’s Technical Director, Tim Steidten added that he is “delighted” to be reunited with Fullkrug, and believes that he will bring extra attacking quality.
“I have worked with him previously and I know what he will bring to us in terms of his physical and finishing qualities, as well as his character and mentality.
“He has enjoyed a really positive last couple of seasons, both at club level, where he played in the Champions League final last season, and with Germany at the Euros this summer, and he joins us with a clear desire to build upon that progress and prove himself in the Premier League.
“Niclas has great experience and is at the stage of his career where we feel he can really give us his best years. He is someone who we have watched very closely, and who we believe will be an excellent fit for the team and for the Club. We look forward to seeing the qualities he will bring.”
Dortmund’s Sporting Director, Sebastian Kehl described Fullkrug as “a great player and a really good guy”, who leaves with their best wishes for the future.
Fullkrug began his career at TuS Ricklingen but went on to graduate through Werder Bremen’s academy, and made his senior debut in January 2012 against Bayer Leverkusen.
He went on to play for Greuther Furth on loan in 2013-14 season, before he went on to play for FC Numberg and Hannover 96 for five seasons, prior to his return to Bremen where he scored 46 goals in 99 appearances.
Last season saw Fullkrug join Dortmund and contributed 15 goals plus 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Fullkrug also ha 13 goals in 21 appearances for Germany following his debut in November 2022, and scored on debut in a World Cup warm-up friendly against Oman as a substitute.
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