Can Niclas Füllkrug reignite his Germany career at Milan? | OneFootball

Niclas Füllkrug will be hoping that his loan move from West Ham to Milan will ignite the kind of form that saw him lead the line for the Germany national team. 

The forward joins the Serie A outfit on a six-month loan until the end of the campaign with an option-to-buy fee of around €5m. 

Now 32 years of age, you feel this will be the striker’s last chance of playing for a top club in one of Europe’s top leagues. Additionally, this summer’s World Cup could be his last chance to play at a major tournament for Die Mannschaft. 

Füllkrug joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund for €27m in 2024, following a season that saw him score 12 goals in 29 Bundesliga games. The forward was also a part of the Germany squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Though it was a shambles of a tournament for Germany, Füllkrug was probably only one of a couple players that came out looking better off due to his performances and goalscoring record for his country. 

Since his debut for Germany in 2022, the forward has scored an impressive 14 goals in 24 appearances – a fantastic return for Die Mannschaft. 

Can Füllkrug Improve Germany?

Whilst Füllkrug may not be the youngest of strikers at Germany’s disposal, he could give them something different. 

The forward possesses great strength and can hold the ball up in order to bring other attackers into play. Germany are blessed with pacey wingers and a world class playmaker in Jamal Musiala. Having someone of Füllkrug stature and ability to link-up play, could give Germany more stability when it comes to attacking the final third. 

During qualifying for this year’s World Cup, Germany were not their best at all for most of their games. Füllkrug’s presence and knack for involving others in play, could certainly go a long way when it comes to controlling attacking phases in the final third. 

What’s more, Germany does not possess such a striker in their arsenal. Whilst Maximilian Beier, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Burkardt will almost certainly be on the plane to North America, none play quite the same as  Füllkrug can. 

With the expectation of Woltemade, who can hold the ball up, but then again the Newcastle forward also likes to come deep and run with the ball – a unique trait for someone of his size in itself. 

Ultimately, it’s up to Füllkrug to prove what he can offer Julian Nagelsmann in the coming months as he prepares for the World Cup. However, if it goes well for him, it could be worth bringing the experienced forward in order to give Germany more options during the tournament. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen