Doubts are surfacing regarding West Ham United’s decision to sign Niclas Fullkrug, with questions emerging over whether the German striker has the requisite quality for the Premier League.
West Ham fans, accustomed to a series of disappointing striker signings, have reason to be sceptical.
The club’s history is littered with failed investments in forwards, from the £15 million spent on Danny Ings to the combined £80 million on Gianluca Scamacca and Sebastien Haller.
Fullkrug’s arrival marks the 52nd striker the club has signed since 2010. While not all have been failures, few have been standout successes.
The fact that West Ham still relies heavily on Michail Antonio, who turns 35 this season, highlights the ongoing struggle to find a dependable striker.
During the summer, West Ham pursued Jhon Duran before shifting their focus to Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund. While many fans were initially hopeful about Fullkrug’s experience and goal-scoring record, concerns emerged due to his age—11 years older than Duran—and his lack of pace, a crucial attribute in today’s Premier League.
Technical director Tim Steidten defended the decision, arguing that Fullkrug’s experience would enable him to integrate quickly and contribute immediately.
However, Fullkrug’s debut in the League Cup against Bournemouth was less than stellar, and an unsettling video of him in action led to further fan frustration.
Supporters called for the club to acquire a younger, quicker striker before the transfer window closed, but no additional forward was signed.
Julen Lopetegui now has a striking trio of Antonio, Fullkrug, and Ings, with a combined age of nearly 100 years.
The lack of pace among two of these players is a notable concern. Fullkrug has acknowledged the need for time to adjust to the Premier League, but the early signs have not been promising.
The debate among supporters about the best starting XI for Lopetegui has been ongoing. The Spaniard’s tenure has started with mixed results: two defeats and a win from the first three Premier League matches, along with a narrow victory over Bournemouth in the League Cup.
While there have been positive signs in possession and passing, finishing remains an issue. Fans are puzzled by Lopetegui’s preference for Antonio over Fullkrug, particularly since Fullkrug’s lack of pace allows opponents to push up the pitch when he is on the field.
Social media is abuzz with fans proposing alternative formations, with many suggesting that Jarrod Bowen should be deployed as a central striker.
This move would address the pace issue and allow new £26 million signing Crysencio Summerville to play on the left, complementing Mohammed Kudus on the right.
For Fullkrug, who has been called up for Germany’s Nations League fixtures, the situation is pressing. His failure to start the season opener against Aston Villa was disappointing, and he has made it clear he did not join West Ham to warm the bench.
It is, however, far too early to judge his potential. Some supporters are already expressing doubts, but a final assessment should be reserved until he has had more time to adapt and prove himself.
As Lopetegui continues to experiment, the possibility of revisiting Moyes’ strategy by using Bowen as a striker remains on the table. Whether Fullkrug can adapt and make an impact remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest that West Ham’s striker troubles may not be over yet.