Milan: Füllkrug set for number 9, awaits West Ham’s green light | OneFootball

Allegri's new center forward is already in the Milan world, but the clearance to train is still missing

Milan, Füllkrug takes the number 9 and awaits West Ham's go-ahead: the Rossoneri are ready to welcome him at Milanello

Niclas Füllkrug is, in fact, the new number 9 of Milan. The official announcement will come only with the opening of the winter market, set for January 2nd, but the German forward has already begun his journey with the Rossoneri, moving between medical visits, stops at Casa Milan, and making first symbolic but significant choices.

The former Borussia Dortmund player is currently in a transition phase: a recent past at West Ham, a present filled with waiting and bureaucracy, and a future that clearly speaks of Milan. Max Allegri awaits him as a key reinforcement for the offensive department, while the Rossoneri environment watches with curiosity and expectations.

The choice of jersey: Füllkrug accepts the challenge of the “9”

The first significant decision has already been made: Füllkrug has chosen the number 9 jersey. A choice far from trivial in Milan's recent history. The number that made Marco Van Basten and George Weah legendary, later worn by Filippo Inzaghi, the last true striker capable of turning it into a constant weapon. More recently, Olivier Giroud wore it with personality, scoring important goals.

But the Rossoneri's number 9 also carries an important symbolic weight, often defined as a true "curse." From Matri to Torres, from Destro to Luiz Adriano, passing through Lapadula, André Silva, Higuain, Piatek, Mandzukic, and finally Jovic, many strikers have failed to meet the expectations linked to that number.

Füllkrug has decided not to back down and to take on the challenge, aware of the historical and media significance of the jersey he will wear.

Waiting at Milanello: West Ham's clearance is missing

After completing medical visits and stopping at Casa Milan for the production of official content for the club's social channels, the forward's schedule includes a visit to Milanello on Christmas Eve. An important symbolic and logistical step, but without the possibility of training with the group.

The reason is purely bureaucratic: the formal clearance from West Ham is still missing, essential for Füllkrug to take the field and train regularly with his new teammates before the official market opens. Without this step, the German cannot yet put on his boots and participate in the sessions led by Allegri.

Confidence and clear timelines: Cagliari is the target

There is great calmness within Milan. The Rossoneri club is confident of receiving the definitive go-ahead from the Hammers shortly, so that Füllkrug can be integrated into daily work in the very first days of January.

The goal is clear: to make the German forward available immediately, starting with the match on January 2nd against Cagliari. A game that could mark the official debut of the new number 9 and the beginning of a new offensive phase for Allegri's Milan.

Between waiting, symbols, and expectations, Füllkrug has already entered the Rossoneri world. Now only the last formal step is missing to turn the bureaucratic limbo into on-field reality.

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