Sport Nation 2West Ham United striker Niclas Fullkrug, who was signed for over £25 million in the summer, has had a challenging start to life at the club. The 31-year-old German international has been sidelined with an injury since the last international break in September, and his future at the London Stadium is already becoming uncertain. With concerns mounting over his fitness and availability, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and sporting director Tim Steidten appear to be working on contingency plans for the January transfer window.
Fullkrug’s transfer to West Ham was one of the club’s marquee signings in the summer, with hopes high that the experienced striker would add firepower to their attack. Lopetegui, known for his tactical acumen, worked closely with Steidten to bring Fullkrug in, believing that his experience and goal-scoring record would make him a key asset for the Hammers. Fullkrug had proven his ability in the Bundesliga, and many expected him to thrive in the Premier League.
However, things have not gone according to plan. Fullkrug’s injury, sustained during international duty in September, has kept him out of action, leaving West Ham without their big summer signing for several weeks. His absence has raised concerns within the club, as it remains unclear when he will be fit to return. The lack of clarity around his recovery timeline has reportedly led to growing anxiety among the West Ham coaching staff and management.
Reports suggest that Lopetegui and Steidten are now eyeing an emergency backup plan in case Fullkrug’s injury problems persist. According to a report from Sunday People (October 13th), West Ham have been heavily scouting Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth as a potential January signing. Sorloth, currently at Atletico Madrid, was a target for West Ham during the summer, with the club reportedly interested in a deal worth around £32 million. However, Sorloth opted to join Atletico Madrid instead.
Now, just a few months later, there are claims that Sorloth may have second thoughts about his move to Spain and could be open to joining West Ham in January. The 28-year-old forward is reportedly keen on a fresh start in the Premier League, and West Ham may view him as the ideal replacement for Fullkrug if the German’s injury woes continue.
Sorloth, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall, is known for his physical presence and aerial ability. His height and strength make him a constant threat in the air, while his pace and finishing skills add to his value as a striker. Described by Mundo Deportivo as “extraordinary,” Sorloth had an impressive season at Villarreal last year, where he scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances. His track record of 132 goals in 381 career games makes him a proven goal scorer, and his style of play could suit the demands of the Premier League.
If West Ham were to secure Sorloth’s services in January, it could spell trouble for Fullkrug’s future at the club. Fullkrug’s inability to stay fit and make an impact has already raised questions about the wisdom of his transfer, with some pundits suggesting that West Ham may have overpaid for the German international. At 31 years of age, Fullkrug is at a point in his career where injuries can be harder to recover from, and there are concerns that he may not be able to contribute as expected.
The potential arrival of Sorloth would add further competition to West Ham’s forward line, and Fullkrug could find himself surplus to requirements if he is unable to regain full fitness soon. The pressure is on for Fullkrug to recover and prove his worth to Lopetegui, but time may not be on his side.
While West Ham fans were excited about Fullkrug’s signing, his injury issues have cast a shadow over his time at the club so far. Fullkrug has not had the opportunity to show what he is capable of in a West Ham shirt, and the longer his absence continues, the more difficult it becomes for him to establish himself in Lopetegui’s plans.
For Lopetegui and Steidten, the situation presents a dilemma. On one hand, they will want to give Fullkrug the chance to prove himself once he returns from injury. On the other hand, the team cannot afford to wait indefinitely for a player who may not be able to stay fit. The Premier League is unforgiving, and West Ham’s ambitions this season require a fully functioning squad with reliable options in attack.
Sorloth, with his physicality and goal-scoring ability, could be an ideal solution if Fullkrug’s injury problems persist. The Norwegian has already shown that he can score goals at a high level, and his attributes would complement West Ham’s style of play under Lopetegui. If a deal for Sorloth can be struck at a reasonable price, it could provide West Ham with the attacking reinforcements they need for the second half of the season.
As January approaches, the future of Niclas Fullkrug at West Ham remains uncertain. Much will depend on how quickly he can recover from his injury and whether he can make an impact when he returns to action. However, with Sorloth reportedly on the radar, it’s clear that West Ham are not willing to take any chances. If Fullkrug cannot deliver, the club may be forced to move on from their summer signing and bring in a new striker to lead the line.
In conclusion, Niclas Fullkrug’s injury has put West Ham in a difficult position. The club’s summer signing has yet to prove his worth, and with concerns mounting over his fitness, manager Julen Lopetegui and sporting director Tim Steidten are exploring backup options. Alexander Sorloth, who was linked with West Ham in the summer, could be the solution if Fullkrug’s injury problems continue. While the situation is far from ideal, West Ham’s ambitions in the Premier League and beyond mean that they cannot afford to be without a reliable striker for long. The January transfer window could provide an opportunity for the club to strengthen their attack and ensure they remain competitive for the rest of the season.
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