In a surprising twist to the January transfer window, German international striker Niclas Füllkrug is reportedly close to securing a move from West Ham United to AC Milan. Multiple reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Italian outlets like Calciomercato, indicate that the 32-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with the Rossoneri on personal terms, paving the way for a loan deal until the end of the season.
West Ham, under new management, are open to letting him go, preferably on a loan to recoup some value while freeing up wages. The Hammers have even explored swap options involving Milan's Santiago Giménez, though that remains speculative.
AC Milan are seeking reinforcements up front amid inconsistent goalscoring and injury concerns. Sporting director Igli Tare views Füllkrug as the "ideal profile" – a physical, hold-up striker who excels with his back to goal, wins aerial duels, and provides a different dimension to the attack featuring stars like Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic.
Milan are prepared to cover Füllkrug's remaining salary for the season (around €1.5 million net) in a straight loan, with some reports mentioning an option to buy. The move is seen as a short-term solution, allowing Milan to potentially target a bigger name like Juventus' Dušan Vlahović in the summer.
If the deal goes through, this could be a low-risk, high-reward move for Milan, offering experience and a tactical alternative against compact defenses in Serie A – a league arguably better suited to his style than the high-intensity Premier League.
Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with an announcement possible in the coming days. For Füllkrug, a switch to the San Siro represents a chance to revive his form ahead of potential international commitments, while Milan gain a proven goalscorer to bolster their title challenge.