Niclas Füllkrug's loan spell at AC Milan is coming to an end, but the German striker might not be saying goodbye to Italian football just yet. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 32-year-old, currently on loan from West Ham United, will return to the Premier League club, but a permanent move to another Serie A side remains a strong possibility. This development has sparked interest among several Italian clubs looking to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.
Füllkrug's Stint at Milan: A Mixed Bag
Füllkrug joined Milan on a season-long loan from West Ham last summer, with the hope of adding physical presence and aerial threat to the Rossoneri's frontline. The German international, known for his poaching instincts and hold-up play, made 23 Serie A appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. While his work rate was praised, injuries and tactical adjustments limited his impact. Milan's decision not to trigger the purchase option, reportedly set at around €15 million, means he will head back to London.
Serie A Stay on the Cards
Despite the impending return to West Ham, Füllkrug's future might lie in Italy. GdS reports that several Serie A clubs, including Bologna, Fiorentina, and newly-promoted sides, have expressed interest in signing him on a permanent deal. West Ham are open to selling the striker, who still has two years left on his contract, for around €10-12 million. Füllkrug himself is keen to remain in Serie A, having adapted well to the tactical demands of Italian football.
Bologna, who are set to lose Joshua Zirkzee to a big-money move, see Füllkrug as an ideal replacement – a proven goalscorer who can lead the line in Thiago Motta's system. Fiorentina, meanwhile, are looking for a long-term successor to Andrea Belotti, while Venezia and Cagliari are also monitoring the situation. “I've really enjoyed my time in Italy. The league is very competitive, and I feel I have unfinished business here,” Füllkrug was quoted as saying recently.
West Ham's Striker Situation
West Ham United, who signed Füllkrug from Borussia Dortmund for €27 million in 2023, have seen the striker's stock drop due to injuries and inconsistent form. With Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen leading the line, manager David Moyes is expected to offload Füllkrug to free up wages and funds for new signings. The Hammers are targeting a younger, more dynamic forward, with links to Lille's Jonathan David and Club Brugge's Ferran Jutglà.
For Füllkrug, a move to a mid-table Serie A club would offer regular playing time and a chance to rediscover his goalscoring touch. The German international, who scored 16 goals in the 2022-23 Bundesliga season for Dortmund, has the quality to be a difference-maker in the right system. His aerial ability and penalty-box presence could be invaluable for a team that relies on crosses and set-pieces.
What This Means for Milan
For AC Milan, Füllkrug's departure opens up space for a new striker. The club has been heavily linked with a move for either Joshua Zirkzee (Bayern Munich) or Victor Osimhen (Napoli), though financial constraints may force them to look for cheaper options. Milan's director, Paolo Maldini, has confirmed that a new centre-forward is a priority. “We need a player who can guarantee 20 goals a season without relying too much on the wingers,” he said earlier this week.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Füllkrug's situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football migrations. For now, the German striker awaits his fate, but one thing is clear: his Serie A story may not be over yet. South Korea howler gifts Mexico victory as World Cup co-hosts reach knockout phase - The Guardian – a different kind of drama unfolds on the international stage.
