Füllkrug's West Ham exit looms; Bremen return possible?

Niclas Füllkrug could potentially return to Werder Bremen during the current transfer window. Reports indicate that Bremen has initiated contact with the 33-year-old West Ham United striker. Füllkrug previously played for Werder Bremen from 2006 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2023, enjoying his most successful period there. During his second stint, he became the league's top scorer and earned a call-up to the German national team. His subsequent transfers to Borussia Dortmund and then West Ham United have not met expectations, partly due to recurring injuries. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at AC Milan, scoring just one goal in 20 appearances, and a permanent transfer did not materialize. West Ham, whose contract with Füllkrug extends until 2028, is expected to move him on, having not assigned him a squad number for the upcoming season. A recent proposed transfer to Italian club FC Venezia fell through because West Ham's asking price of approximately €5 million was deemed too high. This fee is also reportedly beyond Werder Bremen's current financial capacity, though it might decrease as the transfer window progresses. Despite already having four center-forwards, Werder Bremen is still anticipated to strengthen their attacking options, with a loan move for Eren Dinkci from SC Freiburg reportedly close to completion. Füllkrug's return could potentially boost his chances of rejoining the Germany national team under new coach Jürgen Klopp, with his last appearance for Germany being in the Nations League Final Four in June 2025.