Niclas Fullkrug is not really the kind of centre-forward who tends to create goalscoring opportunities all on his own.
West Ham United’s £27 million summer signing is more of an old-school number nine who – with his missing teeth, his powerpacked finishing and his wrestler’s physique – would not have looked out of place in the more prehistoric days of the Premier League.
Niclas Fullkrug, according to his old sporting director at Hannover, is ‘one of the best in Europe’ when it comes to heading the ball. So if West Ham are to get the best out of the former Borussia Dortmund targetman, service will be required from the wide areas in particular.
Fortunately, Julen Lopetegui’s squad is not lacking in players capable of whipping in pinpoint crosses from the byline.
Speaking to the club’s website in his first official interview as a West Ham player, Fullkrug could not hide his excitement at the prospect of spearheading a forward line containing Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and fellow big-money acquisition Crysencio Summerville.
West Ham United sign Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug
“I am very happy to be here, also a little bit excited,” Fullkrug smiles. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch with my new mates. I think there is a lot of quality here. And for me, it is important to have the guys behind me.
“It’s a dream because you have Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus, and now Summerville as well. There are a lot of very good players who can assist me. And, if I get assists, then I can score. I believe I can fit into this team very well.
“I think we’ve got a lot of fighting players in midfield and defence as well, and I like the feeling when I know I can go to war with them.”
Fullkrug won the Bundesliga’s Golden Boot at Werder Bremen in 2023. He also brings with him a phenomenal record at international level, scoring 13 goals in 21 caps and finding the net with two trademark thumping finishes at the European Championships.
The broad-shouldered 31-year-old is now counting down the days until he can stick his sizeable head onto one of those wicked James Ward-Prowse set-pieces.
Fullkrug counts the former Southampton skipper as one of the world’s finest dead-ball merchants.
“I am a strong player, and that’s very important for me,” Fullkrug adds. “I am not only a strong player, but I also like to come into the number ten position and come towards the ball.
“I am capable with both feet and have good aerial ability as well. These are my strengths, and I think in the last few seasons I have been able to show that I can assist as well. If I can turn in a good position, then it is difficult to defend against me.
“I think one of my biggest qualities is scoring goals, and the fact I am able to score with my left foot, right foot, and also my aerial ability. I hope for a lot of crosses, as last year I didn’t get as many as I would’ve wanted, which meant I couldn’t bring my strengths as perfectly as I wanted.
“I think we have a lot of good players on the pitch. We have Emerson (Palmieri, the left-back), who runs up and down the line all the time. And James, who has the best set pieces in the world.
“I’m very excited for the season ahead.”
Germany international explains Julen Lopetegui role
Fullkrug’s arrival – one which took his former Dortmund bosses by surprise – brings West Ham’s summer spend to over £100 million. The Hammers have already invested heavily on Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman and the aformentioned Summerville.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to arrive from Manchester United too, while Guido Rodriguez will join on a free transfer after his Real Betis contract expired.
“The manager (Lopetegui) was a big reason for me making the transfer to West Ham,” explains Fullkrug. “I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now, know the Club now, and have watched some of the games from last season.
“Lopetegui was important for me; his play style is important for me, and I need this to bring my best performance on the pitch. He knows that and will try to give me this.
“We have so much quality in this team, and when you see the players in the starting XI, they are of such great quality. If we work hard, be brave, and be patient, then we will have a very, very nice season and can surprise some other teams.”
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