West Ham squad decision drops major Niclas Fullkrug transfer clue

West Ham have provided another indication that Niclas Fullkrug could be heading for the exit after leaving the striker without a squad number for the 2026/27 season.

The Niclas Fullkrug West Ham transfer situation was already uncertain, but Thursday’s official announcement makes his position in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad look increasingly difficult.

Fullkrug previously wore No.11 for the Hammers, but that shirt now belongs to Taty Castellanos following his January arrival.

West Ham’s official 2026/27 first-team squad-number announcement lists Castellanos at No.11 and Pablo Felipe at No.19, while Fullkrug does not feature at all.

There could be a swap deal between West Ham and Lazio, with Niclas Fullkrug joining the Italians, and winger Matteo Cancellieri heading the other way.@ilmessaggeroit pic.twitter.com/XnkEkkxIVZ

— Central (@WestHam_Central) August 3, 2026

Niclas Fullkrug West Ham transfer exit looks increasingly likely

Being omitted from a squad-number announcement does not officially confirm a departure, particularly with several weeks of the transfer window remaining.

However, it is difficult to ignore the message when Fullkrug’s future was already in doubt.

The 33-year-old returned to West Ham this summer after AC Milan decided against making his loan permanent. He remains under contract until 2028 but appears to be behind Castellanos and Pablo in Nuno’s attacking plans.

The Hammers are also actively trying to add another centre-forward. ReadWestHam reported on Thursday that West Ham are making a major push to sign 30-goal AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott, further increasing the competition Fullkrug would face in east London.

Fullkrug did return to pre-season and scored in the behind-closed-doors win over Colchester United, but he has since remained on the fringes of Nuno’s preparations.

West Ham do not need another unresolved striker situation heading into the Championship campaign. Fullkrug is an experienced international forward, but his first two years in England have been disrupted by injuries and a lack of consistent goals.

Thursday’s squad announcement does not settle the Niclas Fullkrug West Ham transfer question on its own.

It does, however, offer perhaps the clearest clue yet about where he currently stands.