Niclas Füllkrug’s short stint in Italy appears to be heading toward an early and unflattering conclusion, with reports in Italy suggesting that AC Milan have already decided not to trigger a permanent move for the German striker following a difficult loan spell.
The 31-year-old joined Milan in January after leaving West Ham United, with a low-cost purchase option included in the deal. However, his time at San Siro has failed to deliver the expected impact, with just one goal in 15 Serie A appearances.
Poor return fuels criticism in Italy
Italian journalist Giuseppe Pastore offered a particularly harsh assessment of Milan’s squad construction, describing the club’s recent recruitment strategy as flawed and questioning the effectiveness of their attacking options.
He singled out Füllkrug as part of a forward line that has struggled for consistency, alongside injury-hit and underperforming teammates, in a team currently trailing rivals Inter Milan and Napoli in the title race.
Pastore also criticised Milan’s lack of attacking intensity in recent matches, pointing to a run of poor results and goal droughts that have increased pressure on head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Milan reportedly close the door on permanent transfer
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Milan’s hierarchy has already made the decision not to retain Füllkrug beyond his loan spell. Despite the relatively low buy option, his performances have reportedly not justified a long-term commitment.
The striker, once a key figure at Werder Bremen, has struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form in both England and Italy over the past season.
West Ham dilemma moving forward
Füllkrug’s struggles also raise questions for West Ham, who are now facing an awkward situation regarding his future. The club reportedly structured the Milan deal to include flexibility, but his declining market value complicates any potential sale.
In England, his Premier League return was also underwhelming, with limited goal output failing to match expectations following his move from Germany.
Interestingly, recent comparisons in England have only highlighted his dip in form, with other forwards outperforming his previous output despite fewer minutes on the pitch.
Bundesliga return unlikely without wage cut
A return to Germany has been widely discussed, but appears financially difficult. Werder Bremen CEO Klaus Filbry recently confirmed that a reunion with Füllkrug would only be possible if the striker significantly reduced his salary.
Füllkrug previously enjoyed a productive spell at Bremen, scoring 45 goals in 90 appearances between 2019 and 2023, and remains fondly remembered by supporters. However, the club’s financial limits make a comeback improbable under current conditions.
Uncertain summer ahead
With AC Milan reportedly stepping away, West Ham reassessing their options, and Bundesliga clubs hesitant due to wages, Füllkrug faces an uncertain summer.
What once looked like a high-profile European move has instead become a cautionary tale of a transfer that failed to deliver for any of the parties involved.
