“Fascinating” – BBC Journalist Raises West Ham Transfer Question After This Season’s Observations
Andy Stevenson Predicts a "Fascinating" January as Julen Lopetegui Considers Striker Options for West Ham
West Ham United attempted to address their striker issues by signing Niclas Fullkrug during the summer transfer window.
Unfortunately, the German forward was sidelined with an injury for an extended period.
Since his return, his contributions have been underwhelming, prompting BBC journalist Stevenson to challenge him to improve.
“It will be interesting to see if Julen Lopetegui decides to enter the transfer market for another striker in January,” Stevenson wrote on the BBC Sport website.
“With Michail Antonio still unavailable, Fullkrug was given his first Premier League start of the season against Brighton but struggled to make an impact.
He barely touched the ball and was substituted after just 57 minutes.
“The striker, who shone for Germany at Euro 2024 before joining West Ham for a reported £27 million, might be lacking match fitness, but he needs to step up quickly.
West Ham must improve their form and climb the table, and Fullkrug’s contributions will be crucial.
“While Jarrod Bowen can play centrally and Crysencio Summerville likely believes he deserves more starts, the pressure will remain on Fullkrug to start delivering soon.”
Fullkrug must now demonstrate his value to Julen Lopetegui and the West Ham fans.
Of all the club’s summer signings, his arrival was perhaps the most anticipated.
In recent seasons, West Ham have struggled to find consistent goal scorers, with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings managing fewer than 10 goals combined last season.
Although Fullkrug has not had many opportunities due to his injury, the team’s lack of goalscoring prowess adds urgency to his situation.
If things do not improve, West Ham may face increasing challenges under Lopetegui.
At 31, Fullkrug remains a proven goal scorer, as evidenced by his performances for Borussia Dortmund last season and his strong showing at the Euros.
His ability to rediscover his scoring form is critical to West Ham’s ambitions of securing European football this season.
However, if the club begins to doubt Fullkrug’s ability to deliver, they might be forced to re-enter the transfer market during the winter window.
For now, the Hammers will hope that their significant investment in the German striker will pay dividends and that he can help turn their fortunes around.
