It goes without saying that a new forward, a new center-back, and a new right-back are needed at West Ham. For the right back spot, the Hammers are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Julen Lopetegui's side signed Max Kilman as a new defender; however, the club wants to bring another center back before the transfer window closes. But no such major progress has been made regarding a new striker.
West Ham interested in Niclas Fullkrug
West Ham was involved in talks with Aston Villa to sign young forward Jhon Duran, and there was growing optimism about the transfer. However, Villa rejected the latest West Ham bid and has decided to remain firm on their £40 million valuation. This has led to West Ham having second thoughts about going further in the negotiations, and as such, the Hammers are considering alternative options to Jhon Duran.
Recently, according to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham have turned their attention towards Borussia Dortmund's star forward, Niclas Fullkrug. Since arriving from Werder Bremen in 2023, the German striker continued his rich vein of form at Dortmund as well.
In the 2023/24 season, Fullkrug scored fifteen goals and provided ten assists for Borussia Dortmund as they reached the Champions League final. Fullkrug is 31 years old and doesn't have much pace; however, his positioning inside the box and his finishing have led West Ham to consider the idea of signing him.
As compared to Duran, Fullkrug will come relatively cheap and is a proven striker; however, adapting to the Premier League can take time for Fullkrug. Thus, West Ham needs to pick the right option for the number nine role, as Julen Lopetegui's side can't compete for a top-six spot with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio, who struggled for form and fitness last season.