‘In The Background’ – West Ham Out-on-loan Star Could Have Exit Route | OneFootball

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West Ham United out-on-loan striker Niclas Fullkrug could be going back to Germany in the summer if Schalke win promotion to the Bundesliga.

Fullkrug impressed at Werder Bremen before he grabbed eyeballs with his time at Borussia Dortmund, where he contributed to 25 goals directly in 43 games.

West Ham paid ‘significantly less’ than a claimed £27m fee for Fullkrug, but his move to the London Stadium has not worked well.

Following his move, Fullkrug quickly admitted that he needed time to adjust in England, but despite a period at West Ham under various managers, he struggled to make an impact.

In his two years at the club, Fullkrug has scored only three goals in 29 games for the Hammers, who loaned him out to Serie A giants AC Milan last summer.

Fullkrug was intent on heading to Italy with AC Milan and knocked back offers from elsewhere to help the move happen.

The Rossoneri have an option to buy the experienced forward, but he is yet to show the quality he showed back in Germany and they are unlikely to want to keep hold of him.

Fullkrug has started only two Serie A games so far, but has netted only once in 14 appearances so far, meaning AC Milan are not inclined to trigger the £4.3m clause.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, the Serie A giants are already looking for a striker to replace the strong German and Fullkrug may well be able to return to his homeland, which would suit West Ham.

It is suggested that 2. Bundesliga table-toppers Schalke are ‘in the background’ for the 33-year-old, which a move possible if they can secure promotion.

An agreement would still need to be reached with West Ham, but the Hammers are sure to want to offload Fullkrug.

He has played a little more than 400 minutes in Italy and going back to Germany could be a tempting prospect for the West Ham loan star.

Fullkrug’s current deal runs for two more years at the London Stadium, where he is due to return at the end of the term, in the event AC Milan continue with their desire not to trigger the option.