Is former BVB striker Füllkrug heading to HSV? | OneFootball

Former Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug faces an uncertain future. A return to the Bundesliga seems possible, with several clubs reportedly showing interest.

Niclas Füllkrug is experiencing a disappointing time at West Ham United. Since his move from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League in the summer of 2024, the 32-year-old has barely played—partly due to injuries. In 27 competitive matches, the national player has scored only three goals and assisted two. He has been out injured for more than 200 days and is currently recovering from a muscle bundle tear.

His agent, Thorsten Wirth, recently hinted that a transfer in the winter is conceivable. According to Sky, a return to the Bundesliga is considered a realistic option, and there seems to be interest.

Particularly, Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt are being mentioned as possible destinations. The Hessians had Füllkrug on their radar at the beginning of the year as a replacement for Omar Marmoush, who moved to Manchester City. His experience and heading ability could benefit the young team, but his susceptibility to injuries and the current competition situation argue against a commitment.

At HSV, however, Füllkrug would likely be a key player. The North Germans have one of the weakest offenses in the league with only eight goals so far. TV expert Marcel Reif considers a move to the Hanseatic city sensible and said in his Bild show Reif ist Live: “Strikers who can score more than eight goals always help, and he can do that.”

Former BVB Striker Füllkrug on the Verge of Bundesliga Return?

However, there are several hurdles. Füllkrug is under contract with West Ham until 2028 and is said to earn around four to five million euros a year—a sum that the promoted team can hardly afford. At most, a loan would be realistic. Additionally, there is the emotional aspect: The striker comes from the youth ranks of SV Werder Bremen and remains a fan favorite there. A move to the major rival in Hamburg would likely be met with disapproval by many fans.

Marcel Reif still sees good chances for a Bundesliga return: “Füllkrug has fallen off the radar. He gambled in England. […] A return to the Bundesliga, where he became a national player—why not?”

Whether the striker will indeed pack his bags in the winter remains to be seen. What is clear: Niclas Füllkrug wants to play regularly again—not least to recommend himself to the national coach for the World Cup in the summer.

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