“I joined West Ham because…” – West Ham new signing, Fullkrug, reveals the REAL REASON why he joined West Ham, and the person who convinced him to join the club.

West Ham United made waves during the summer transfer window by signing Niclas Fullkrug from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund for a fee of around £25 million. The move, orchestrated by head coach Julen Lopetegui, stirred controversy among fans, as many had hoped for the signing of younger talents like Jhon Duran. However, Lopetegui saw something in Fullkrug that he believed would benefit his team.

A well-established striker in Germany, Fullkrug was one of nine new faces to join the Hammers in the window, but his start at the London Stadium has been slower than expected. Many fans are eager to see him flourish, and though Fullkrug has not yet started a Premier League game for West Ham due to an Achilles injury, there is hope that he will soon demonstrate his talents on the pitch.

Fullkrug’s Reason for Joining West Ham

Recently, Fullkrug opened up about the reasons behind his move from Dortmund to West Ham, and it wasn’t solely due to financial incentives or playing time. Speaking to German media outlet Sport Bild, Fullkrug revealed that his decision to join the Hammers was influenced heavily by West Ham’s Technical Director, Tim Steidten. The two had developed a strong relationship during their time together at Werder Bremen, and Steidten played a crucial role in convincing Fullkrug that a move to the Premier League would be beneficial.

“He [Steidten] played a big part,” Fullkrug admitted. “In the end, though, the decisive factor was the discussions I had with coach Julen Lopetegui. I had a good feeling straight away. He explained to me where he saw me on the pitch and how I could help the team with my strengths. He immediately gave me the impression that he really wanted me and that I was needed.”

Fullkrug’s confidence was also bolstered by his recent performances in the UEFA Champions League and with the German national team. These accomplishments played a key role in him feeling appreciated and sought after by a club of West Ham’s stature. The striker was eager for a new challenge and felt that his skills would thrive under Lopetegui’s guidance.

The Impact of Fullkrug’s Injury

Unfortunately, Fullkrug’s Premier League journey hit an early roadblock with the Achilles injury he sustained shortly after his arrival. While this has delayed his debut in the English top flight, the 31-year-old remains optimistic about his role at the club. His injury might push back his first league appearance, but once fully fit, Fullkrug will be eager to prove his worth in a West Ham shirt.

West Ham fans, although frustrated with his slow start, understand that adapting to a new league, especially while recovering from injury, is never easy. Fullkrug’s situation isn’t uncommon for strikers transitioning to the Premier League, where physicality and pace are more demanding than many other European leagues.

Lopetegui has been supportive of his summer signing, urging fans and pundits to be patient as Fullkrug works his way back to full fitness. “It’s never easy for a striker to move to a new league and immediately start performing,” said the West Ham boss in a recent press conference. “We are confident Niclas will show his qualities once he’s settled and injury-free.”

The Road Ahead for Fullkrug

The jury is still out on whether Fullkrug’s signing will turn out to be a success for West Ham. With nine new players brought in over the summer, competition for places in the starting XI is fierce, and Fullkrug will need to make the most of any opportunities once his fitness allows.

Some critics have pointed out that West Ham’s playing style under Lopetegui might not be perfectly suited to Fullkrug’s strengths. As a traditional number nine, Fullkrug thrives on service from wide areas and crosses into the box. For him to succeed, Lopetegui may need to adjust the team’s tactics slightly, encouraging wingers to play narrower and deliver more balls into the penalty area where Fullkrug can make an impact.

However, despite the challenges, Fullkrug remains confident that he will eventually find his place in the team. His experience in the Bundesliga and international football has prepared him for tough situations, and he is determined to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

West Ham fans have seen glimpses of what Fullkrug can offer during his time in Germany, where he was known for his clinical finishing and aerial prowess. In the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, Fullkrug scored a commendable number of goals for Dortmund, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently. His performances in the Champions League further highlighted his potential to perform at the highest level of European football.

Fullkrug’s Relationship with Lopetegui and Steidten

While many believed Tim Steidten was the main reason Fullkrug chose to move to East London, the striker’s relationship with Lopetegui has also been crucial. Lopetegui, who previously coached Sevilla and the Spanish national team, is known for his ability to communicate effectively with players and get the best out of them.

Fullkrug’s comments suggest that Lopetegui’s vision for him was a major factor in sealing the deal. The coach’s clear plan for where and how Fullkrug could fit into his system reassured the striker that he was making the right move.

“I performed particularly well in the Champions League and in the national team, and it was good to know that my performances were recognized,” Fullkrug said. “When a coach like Julen Lopetegui tells you he needs you, that’s something special.”

Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?

Ultimately, Fullkrug’s transfer to West Ham is one that could either prove to be a stroke of genius by Lopetegui or a move that leaves fans wondering what might have been. His slow start, combined with injury troubles, has cast doubt on whether he will be able to make a significant impact at the club.

However, with time and patience, Fullkrug has the potential to become an important player for West Ham. His ability to score goals is undeniable, and once fully fit, he could give the Hammers the firepower they need to challenge for higher positions in the Premier League.

Only time will tell if the signing of Niclas Fullkrug was a gamble that paid off. But for now, both fans and the coaching staff will be hoping that the German international can recover quickly and start delivering the goals that his reputation promises.