Milan formalizes arrival of Niclas Füllkrug on loan from West Ham with option to permanently buy By Thiago Lemos
4 min read
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Milan announced this Friday, January 2, 2026, the signing of German striker Niclas Füllkrug on loan from West Ham United until the end of the season. The deal includes an option to buy at the end of the period, allowing the Italian club to evaluate the 32-year-old’s performance before making a permanent decision. Füllkrug has already been training with the squad in recent days and will wear the number 9 shirt.
The center forward arrives to reinforce the offensive sector of the Rossoneri, who are looking for more attacking options during the winter transfer window. The move was confirmed by the Milanese club in an official statement, highlighting the German’s experience in European competitions.
Füllkrug expressed excitement about the transfer and has already joined the team’s activities in Milanello.
New country, new surroundings, new chapter 🆕❤️🔥#WelcomeFüllkrug pic.twitter.com/tPCLewvcDr
— AC Milan (@acmilan)January 2, 2026
Transfer agreement details
Niclas Füllkrug’s loan involves no initial fee paid to West Ham, with Milan fully covering the player’s salary. The purchase option varies between estimated amounts of around 5 to 14 million euros, depending on the club’s performance and final interest.
This structure allows Milan to test attacker fit without immediate commitment of high investment. The West Ham, in turn, facilitates the exit to free up space on the payroll and seek other reinforcements.
Recent trajectory of the German striker
Niclas Füllkrug arrived at West Ham in 2024, coming from Borussia Dortmund, in a transfer valued at around 27 million euros. Pelo English club, the German played 29 official matches and scored just three goals, impacted by recurring injuries.
Before that, at Dortmund, the player enjoyed his best phase, with 15 goals and nine assists in 43 games in the previous season. Füllkrug also played for clubs like Werder Bremen, Hannover and Nürnberg throughout his career at Alemanha.
His call-up to the German national team took place in 2022, including participation in the Copa of the Mundo of the Qatar.
9 shirt and integration into the squad
The number 9 assigned to Füllkrug carries tradition in the Milan, having been worn by great center forwards throughout the club’s history. The German takes responsibility at a time when the team needs more effectiveness in attack.
He has participated in training sessions with teammates, including players like Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic. Quick adaptation is essential for immediate contribution in the next rounds of Serie A.
Motivations for changing clubs
Füllkrug is looking for a longer sequence of games in the Milan to regain rhythm and confidence after an irregular period in the West Ham. The coach of the German national team, Julian Nagelsmann, recently highlighted the importance of minutes on the field for possible future call-ups, including Copa of the 2026 Mundo.
At the Italian club, the striker competes for position in a squad that faces challenges of injuries and irregular form in the offensive sector. The arrival comes amid a positive campaign in Serie A, with Milan in second place.
Backdrop at the winter market
Füllkrug’s transfer marks one of the first significant moves for Milan in the January window. The club prioritized affordable options to reinforce the attack without large initial outlays.
- Experienced reinforcement in European competitions
- Adapting to Italian football as the main challenge
- Potential for goals in a varied tactical system
- Internal competition for position as head
Other names were speculated, but the German stood out due to his financial viability and immediate availability.
Expectations for the season
With the arrival of Füllkrug, Milan gains depth in the squad for the sequel to Serie A and national cups. The 32-year-old player brings physical presence and finishing ability, characteristics that can complement the team’s style of play.
The debut could take place soon, depending on the release for official games. The initial focus is on recovering pace and contributing to maintaining competitiveness in the Italian championship.
The German expressed gratitude to West Ham on social media, but emphasized excitement about the new chapter in his career.
Full profile of the new reinforcement
Niclas Füllkrug was born in Hanover, in Alemanha, on February 9, 1993.
His main quality is his precise finishing and his ability to hold the ball in attack. Internacional for Alemanha since 2022, the striker has accumulated important goals at national team level.
In Milan, he joins a multicultural group, with Portuguese, Americans and other foreigners.
Rossoneri fans hope that the loan will turn into something more lasting, if performance meets expectations.
The club continues to monitor the market for possible additional adjustments until the window closes.
