Fresh start: former BVB striker Füllkrug moves to Italy | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund once received a high transfer fee for Niclas Füllkrug, and now the striker is starting a new chapter in Italy. At AC Milan, the former BVB star aims to make a comeback after a challenging time in England.

Niclas Füllkrug is betting on a fresh start in Italy to boost his chances for the 2026 World Cup. The German national striker is moving immediately on loan from West Ham United to AC Milan. The deal is valid until the end of the season, and the Rossoneri have secured a purchase option.

The transfer was not officially announced by the involved clubs themselves, but by the Italian Serie A league, which published the move on its website on Friday. West Ham and Milan had already reached an agreement on December 21. According to Sky Sport, no loan fee is involved, but the Italian traditional club will cover the entire salary of the 32-year-old.

Things could move quickly for Füllkrug now. Milan is working to submit the necessary documents on time to allow the striker to make his Serie A debut as early as Friday evening. Milan will then play away against Cagliari Calcio – a game of great importance given the tight league standings. The second-placed team is only one point behind city rival Inter.

Ex-BVB star Füllkrug fights for World Cup chance at Milan

In sporting terms, Milan has high hopes for the German. Coach Massimiliano Allegri wanted a classic center forward with international experience who can hold up the ball and create space for teammates – a profile that Füllkrug is expected to fulfill.

Things have been far from optimal for the former Dortmund player in England recently. After his transfer in the summer of 2024, for which Borussia Dortmund received around 27 million euros, Füllkrug never managed to establish himself sustainably at West Ham. Injuries repeatedly set him back, resulting in 29 appearances with three goals and two assists. Under the new coach, he no longer played a role. His entourage also showed self-criticism. Agent Thorsten Wirth openly stated: "In hindsight, we have to say the transfer didn't work out. We don't need to sugarcoat it."

Now, the former BVB star aims for a turnaround in Serie A. With strong performances in the AC Milan jersey, Füllkrug hopes to get back into the spotlight of national coach Julian Nagelsmann – and keep his dream of the 2026 World Cup alive.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.