Milan confirm loan capture of Niclas Fullkrug to save title charge | OneFootball

AC Milan have announced the signing of Niclas Fullkrug on loan from West Ham United until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.

The Rossoneri moved quickly in the winter transfer window after being forced back into the market for a striker following Santiago Gimenez’s ankle injury, which required surgery.

Fullkrug was granted permission to travel and complete a medical in late December, with the deal now officially confirmed by the club.

The 32-year-old arrives in Italy seeking a fresh start after a difficult spell in the Premier League that failed to match expectations.

Fullkrug joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract in August 2024.

However, his time in England was disrupted by form and fitness issues, limiting his impact across all competitions.

He scored just three goals in 29 appearances for West Ham, with his most recent strike coming in April.

The German international featured nine times this season, including four appearances under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, but failed to register a goal or an assist.

His limited opportunities have also affected his international standing, as he has been omitted from Julian Nagelsmann’s squads since September.

Milan view the move as an opportunity to add experience and physical presence to their forward line during a demanding second half of the campaign.

The striker brings pedigree from his Bundesliga career, having scored 49 goals in 124 appearances across two spells with Werder Bremen.

He also enjoyed a productive season with Dortmund in 2023-24, bagging 15 goals and 10 assists. He started the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Milan are one point behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan and are firmly in the title race.

Fullkrug has already trained with his new teammates after arriving in Milan last week.

The move represents a calculated gamble for Milan, with the option to buy offering flexibility depending on his impact over the coming months.