Niclas Fullkrug’s sensational strike against Chelsea was marred by VAR’s intervention, ruling out his goal and leaving the West Ham United striker pondering his luck.
Last season, Fullkrug was beginning to showcase his abilities after a transfer from Borussia Dortmund for £27 million. However, a hamstring injury sidelined him for the first two months of the new year.
Returning fully fit after an impressive pre-season where he impressed pundits like Robbie Earle, Fullkrug had hoped to move past his injury-hampered debut season. Unfortunately, a marginal offside call denied his goal against Chelsea, leaving him still searching for a turning point, especially after sustaining an injury during Germany duty.
Despite these setbacks, Fullkrug can take solace in the fact that West Ham had initially offered £40 million for Elye Wahi before signing him for £13 million less a year later. Wahi, who was once deemed one of Europe’s most promising under-21 strikers, has struggled since.
Following his standout performances at Montpellier, Wahi’s fortunes took a drastic dip at Marseille and Lens. Even Eintracht Frankfurt’s acquisition has not turned his luck around, with just 16 goals in 64 games for three clubs.
The missed opportunity to sign Wahi twice highlights West Ham’s potential escapes from disappointment. Now, as Wahi continues to struggle at Frankfurt, his chances of securing another lucrative transfer appear dim unless a significant reversal of fortune occurs.
With Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmoller expressing faith in Wahi’s abilities despite his goal drought, the pressure is on the young striker to rediscover his scoring touch before his chances of making big-money moves ultimately fade away.
