Venezia move collapses for West Ham misfit Niclas Füllkrug
West Ham United are keen to offload Niclas Füllkrug this summer after a disappointing spell in East London. The striker is currently training away from the first-team squad as he searches for a new club.
However, according to Sport Bild, Füllkrug’s proposed switch to Venezia has broken down, with West Ham reportedly demanding a transfer fee the Italian side are unwilling to meet.
The Hammers are under no immediate pressure to raise funds after generating significant income from the sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville earlier in the window.
Füllkrug arrived in 2024 with high expectations, but injuries severely limited his impact. A loan spell in Italy last season did little to revive his fortunes, and he returned to England this summer facing an uncertain future.
With Venezia now backing away, it remains to be seen whether negotiations can be revived if West Ham lower their asking price, or if another club enters the picture. Interest from Germany could yet emerge before the transfer deadline, something the Hammers will be hoping for.
West Ham must find a solution to Füllkrug’s situation. The 33-year-old has failed to produce the performances expected of him, while his sizeable wages have only added to the frustration.
He remains one of the club’s top earners, yet the return on that investment has been minimal. Moving him on would free up valuable space on the wage bill and give the Hammers greater flexibility to reshape the squad and recruit a forward better suited to Nuno Espirito Santo’s system.
Another player reportedly available for transfer is Edson Alvarez, although his circumstances differ considerably. Despite the midfielder pushing for a move, Nuno is said to be impressed with his attitude since returning to training.
If Alvarez can rediscover the form he showed during his debut season in England, West Ham may decide to keep him. Füllkrug, however, appears far closer to the exit door, and the club may ultimately need to accept a reduced fee to secure his departure.
