Bremen CEO Expresses Cautious Optimism on Füllkrug’s Permanent Signing
Werder Bremen’s chief executive, Klaus Filbry, has indicated that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the possibility of signing Niclas Füllkrug on a permanent basis. According to report by Sport Witness, Füllkrug rejoined Werder Bremen on loan this August after accepting a significant pay cut, and the loan agreement does not include an option to buy.
As a result, Werder Bremen must engage in discussions with West Ham United next summer when Füllkrug has one year remaining on his contract, which extends until 2028. Filbry believes that the ultimate decision will be influenced by the Hammers’ league standing and highlights the impact of wages on the negotiations. Following West Ham’s relegation, Füllkrug’s salary was halved and is expected to rise to approximately £3.5 million annually with promotion, a figure that Werder Bremen struggles to match.
The Striker’s Performance Surge After London Move
Füllkrug’s tenure at the London Stadium surprised many, especially considering his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2024 for a reported £23 million. During his time at West Ham, he netted only three goals from 29 matches and failed to score in 20 appearances while on loan at AC Milan. However, back at Werder Bremen, he has thrived, scoring 12 goals in just 11 appearances across both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, leading the league in scoring and helping Bremen secure fifth place.
Füllkrug demonstrates clear strengths, excelling in winning headers, finishing inside the penalty area, and holding up the ball for supporting players. Nevertheless, he also has notable weaknesses, including a lack of pace, zero assists this season, and injuries that hindered his career in England. He has acknowledged that England was not the right fit for him.
Following the recent sacking of Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham appointed Scott Parker on November 4. Under his management, the team employed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Cardiff, where Taty Castellanos was positioned as the sole striker, backed by Jarrod Bowen from the right wing. Despite a dramatic comeback from being 3-0 down to drawing 3-3, West Ham continues to lag behind in the race for automatic promotion, struggling to establish a consistent focal point in their attack.
Debating Füllkrug’s Future with West Ham
BREMEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 31: Niclas Füllkrug of Werder Bremen celebrates after the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between SV Werder Bremen and TSG Hoffenheim at Weserstadion on October 31, 2026, in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Opinions about transferring Füllkrug to Werder Bremen next summer are mixed, devoid of sentimentality. The loan decision made by Nuno now raises questions about its wisdom as Füllkrug approaches his 34th birthday in February. Should West Ham regain their place in the Premier League, they would be left covering the wage of an aging player who struggled during his time in England, amounting to around £3.5 million per year. Conversely, if the team fails to secure promotion, Füllkrug may only serve as a squad player, with salaries better allocated elsewhere.
West Ham’s lack of a purchase option complicates their position further. With only a year remaining on his contract, potential buyers can afford to wait, forcing the Hammers to consider selling for a modest fee or structured agreement instead of holding out for the original transfer price from 2024. The funds from such a sale could be better invested in a younger forward, capable of contributing to both pressing and creative play, as Füllkrug’s recent goal tally in Germany does not necessarily translate to success in a Championship setting.
