- West Ham United are expected to need £100 million through player sales
- Niclas Fullkrug has spent the second half of the season in Milan
- Fullkrug could leave AC Milan but remain in Italy
After a challenging Premier League season, West Ham United are increasingly geared to make significant changes to their squad this summer, regardless of their league status by the end of the week.
Whether under Nuno Espírito Santo or not, the Hammers are set to undergo a major squad overhaul, with numerous established players facing uncertain futures at the London Stadium following a season in which the club dwindled towards the league’s basement.
Reducing the salary bill and releasing marginal players are expected to become a focus once the domestic season ends on Sunday, especially as the club aims to address a rumoured £100 million shortfall in its recent accounts.
West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug could remain in Italy
Forgotten man Niclas Füllkrug is one player who appears to be on his way out, with Serie A club Venezia FC reportedly interested in signing the German striker this summer, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Füllkrug joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund in 2024 after excelling in the Bundesliga and on the international scene for Germany. However, injuries and inconsistent form hindered the 33-year-old from making the impact many supporters had hoped for in east London.
The Hammers approved the striker to join AC Milan on loan during the January transfer window, hoping that regular playing in Serie A would help him recover his best form and set up a permanent sale. However, after scoring just one goal in 19 league appearances for the Italian giants, reports indicate Milan is unlikely to exercise their option to make the move permanent.
That has now opened the way for Venezia, who are apparently looking to add experience to their team after being promoted this season from Serie B and see Füllkrug as a player capable of leading the line.
What is Fullkrug’s value in 2026?
West Ham will undoubtedly welcome a permanent resolution to the 33-year-old’s future, particularly as the club continues to assess which players fit its long-term ambitions. Despite being under contract until 2028, Füllkrug’s future appears to lie elsewhere, away from the London Stadium.
Füllkrug joined the Hammers for a deal of around £27 million. At the time, his value was £16 million, according to Fotmob. Since the striker’s value has rapidly declined, it is now at £4.8 million. It can be expected, given West Ham’s weakened negotiating position, that any permanent sale would be made at a lower price than the adjusted fee.
Venzia’s highest-ever arrival was Gianluca Busio from Sporting Kansas City for £5.1 million. The investment of global music superstar Drake has boosted the Venice club’s marketability and thus improved their financial flexibility.
