West Ham submit their opening bid for German forward

West Ham have turned their attention to Niclas Fullkrug as Jhon Duran's alternative. Recently, it emerged that the German forward is being monitored by the West Ham board with a view towards a summer signing.

And now, as reported by trusted journalist, Florian Plettenberg, West Ham have submitted their opening bid to Borussia Dortmund for Fullkrug. Speaking about this bid, Plettenberg reported,

"West Ham have made an official offer of €25m (with add-ons) for Niclas Füllkrug!

BVB have not yet rejected this offer, but they are looking for €30m all-in. WHUFC won’t pay that.

The 31 y/o is keen to join West Ham with immediate effect. He can sign a contract until 2027 + 1. Same salary as in Dortmund. No total agreement yet.

If BVB demand too much, West Ham want to pull out of the deal and try to finalize the deal with Jhon Duran (Aston Villa). "

- Florian Plettenberg

West Ham submit their opening bid for German forward

The Hammers have come up with a €25 million offer for Fullkrug. The forward has been in an excellent goalscoring form in the last two seasons with Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund. His consistency and top quality finishing led him to represent Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well as the recently concluded Euros, where he scored two goals.

For Borussia Dortmund, Fullkrug scored fifteen goals and provided ten goals in 43 appearances last season including a memorable goal against PSG in the semi-final to take Dortmund to the Champions League final for the first time in eleven years. Despite, losing the final to Real Madrid, this was another great campaign for the 31-year-old centre forward.

Although, Fullkrug is not a young striker and doesn't have a great pace, the forward is a world class finisher and his aerial ability and overall link up play with the midfielders make him a perfect option for the Hammers. Plus, Fullkrug currently is a massive upgrade over the likes of Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, who struggled for form and fitness last season.

Another benefit of signing Fullkrug is it'll allow Hammers star Jarrod Bowen to play on his preferred right wing position. Hence, Julen Lopetegui and the board adding Fullkrug to the squad having Kudus, Paqueta, Bowen and Summerville as playmakers will boost West Ham's top six ambitions to secure European football next season.