West Ham United have signed German striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £27.5 million.
The 31-year-old has penned a four-year contract with the Hammers, who previously expressed interest in him last summer when he was at Werder Bremen.
“I am delighted to be here, and I cannot wait to get out on the pitch with my new teammates,” Fullkrug said (via the West Ham official website).
“I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, and for me, it is the right time to move over to England and play for a big Club like West Ham.
“I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now – I know the Technical Director Tim Steidten very well because we have history at Werder Bremen together, and I have watched some games and seen how much quality there is in the team.
“The chance to play under the Head Coach (Julen Lopetegui) is also really exciting. His playing style is important for me, and I am confident that under him, I will be able to perform at my best and score lots of goals.”
Fullkrug enjoyed a prolific campaign at Dortmund, netting 15 times in 43 appearances as the club reached the Champions League final.
The Germany international centre-forward becomes West Ham’s fifth summer signing after Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, and Crysencio Summerville.
The east London club are also closing in on a deal for Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with negotiations in an advanced stage.
Furthermore, West Ham want to bolster their midfield options and are in talks to sign free agent Guido Rodriguez, who recently left Real Betis.
Fullkrug is a massive gamble
The decision to sign Fullkrug, a striker entering the twilight of his career, is a gamble from Steidten and the recruitment team.
While he is an exciting centre-forward addition, that transfer fee could have been spent on a younger option who can lead the line for years, succeeding Michail Antonio.
Instead, they have taken a punt on Fullkrug. The former BVB man will be tasked with spearheading the Hammers back into Europe after a disappointing ninth-place finish last term.
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