Werder Bremen’s door opens for Füllkrug – West Ham may release free

In the Weser stadium office, Werder Bremen’s sport director Clemens Fritz examined a file marked “Füllkrug” – the 33‑year‑old striker whose West Ham contract could end without a transfer fee, opening a door for the Green‑Whites.

Bremen eyes Füllkrug

Niclas Füllkrug, who joined West Ham United after a €27 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, is now listed as a potential free transfer. The German forward spent the last season on loan at AC Milan, playing 20 matches and 647 minutes but scoring only once.

West Ham, relegated from the Premier League, reportedly offers Füllkrug up to €4.5 million net per season until his contract expires in 2028. A move to northern Germany would require a substantial salary reduction, according to the report.

Financial and market backdrop

Füllkrug’s career tally includes 49 goals and 16 assists in 124 professional appearances for his youth club before a €17.25 million transfer to Dortmund in August 2023. His willingness to return to Bremen is described as “firm” by Fritz.

“We want to do something in attack,” Fritz told the News outlet Deichstube. “It must fit sportingly and economically – that is always the challenge.” He added that the club is also monitoring midfield and defensive options, noting a possible need for a new outside defender.

The sport director highlighted the rising costs across the market, saying, “Everything gets a bit more expensive, not only in everyday life but also on the transfer market.” He noted that after a busy June, July was quiet, possibly due to the World Cup, but August is already showing renewed activity.

Other rumours in the Gerüchteküche include a loan of Freiburg’s Eren Dinķi and speculation about a return of midfielder Cameron Puertas, who spent last season on loan at Al‑Qadsiah.

Werder’s broader Transfer strategy remains cautious, balancing the desire for an experienced striker with the financial limits of the Verein. The club’s market analysis, Marktwert‑Analyse, and community forums such as Vereinsforen and Bundesliga Foren continue to discuss potential moves.