AC Milan is not anticipated to exercise their option to permanently sign Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United for the agreed-upon fee of €5 million. Consequently, VfL Wolfsburg has reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for the striker.
Fullkrug’s arrival at the San Siro was a deadline-day acquisition on February 1st, following AC Milan’s struggles to secure alternative targets and a failed medical for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. However, his impact at the club has been limited.
The German centre-forward has featured in 16 Serie A matches for Milan, managing to score just one goal in a 1-0 victory against Lecce on January 18th. Of these appearances, he only started in three games.
Coach Max Allegri often favored using Rafael Leao in a False 9 role, even with Santiago Gimenez sidelined through injury, which further limited Fullkrug’s playing time.
Fullkrug’s Milan Move Unlikely to Become Permanent
AC Milan has no intention of activating the €5 million buy-out clause for the 33-year-old striker. Therefore, Fullkrug is expected to return to West Ham United at the conclusion of the current season.
However, his stay at West Ham might also be brief. According to Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenburg, VfL Wolfsburg is interested in acquiring the striker.
It’s worth noting that Fullkrug’s contract with West Ham remains valid even if the club is relegated from the Premier League, though his salary would be reduced by 50 percent in such a scenario.
English Translation:
Milan are not expected to take up their option to buy Niclas Fullkrug permanently from West Ham United for €5 million, with VfL Wolfsburg reportedly interested.
The centre-forward made a last-minute loan move to the San Siro on February 1st, after the Rossoneri had difficulties securing other targets and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta failed a medical.
Fullkrug has played in 16 Serie A games for Milan, scoring one goal in a 1-0 win over Lecce on January 18th, but he only started in three of those matches.
Instead, coach Max Allegri often preferred Rafael Leao in a False 9 position, even when Santiago Gimenez was injured.
Fullkrug Will Not Make Milan Move Permanent
Milan has no intention of using the €5 million option to buy the 33-year-old outright, so Fullkrug is heading back to West Ham United at the end of the season.
He likely won’t stay there for long, as Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenburg claims that VfL Wolfsburg is interested in signing the striker.
It is noted that his contract with West Ham remains valid even if they are relegated from the Premier League, although his salary would be reduced by 50 percent.