West Ham Fullkrug Poised for London Stadium Return East London 2026

Key Points

• Italian news outlet Calciomercato IT reports that AC Milan are unlikely to exercise the option to buy Niclas Fullkrug permanently, expecting the German striker to return to West Ham United this summer.
• Milan prefer to invest in younger players rather than the 32-year-old Fullkrug, despite the low buy option cost of around 5 million euros.
• Fullkrug joined AC Milan on loan from West Ham in January 2026 until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to make the move permanent.
• West Ham signed Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for £27 million in August 2024; he made 29 appearances and scored three goals before the loan.
• West Ham United are currently in a relegation battle in the Premier League, sitting 18th with 25 points, alongside Wolves and Burnley in the drop zone.
• The Hammers drew 0-0 at home against AFC Bournemouth in their last match on 21 February 2026, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.
• Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri, plan major attacking changes, with Fullkrug and Santiago Gimenez likely to depart, potentially alongside Christopher Nkunku if an offer arrives.
• West Ham face a dilemma over Fullkrug’s future upon return, amid their fight to preserve Premier League status.​

London (East London Times) February 25, 2026 – West Ham United face a significant summer decision on Niclas Fullkrug’s future after reports emerged that AC Milan will not pursue a permanent transfer for the striker. The 32-year-old German, currently on loan at the Serie A club, is poised to return to the London Stadium as the Rossoneri prioritise younger talents. This development comes at a critical time for the Hammers, who languish in the Premier League relegation zone.

What is the latest on Niclas Fullkrug’s loan deal with AC Milan?

As reported by Calciomercato IT on 23 February 2026, it seems increasingly difficult for Milan to redeem Fullkrug from West Ham, with the attacker expected to return to the London club at the end of the season. The deal was structured as a dry loan free of charge until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, including a conditional buy option valued between 5 and 10 million euros.​

West Ham United confirmed the move in an official statement, noting Fullkrug had joined from Borussia Dortmund in summer 2024 for an undisclosed fee reported as £27 million ($36.1 million) and signed a four-year contract. He featured in 29 appearances, netting just three goals—the last in April 2025—before departing east London.

AC Milan announced the signing to bolster their attack under Massimiliano Allegri, with the player undergoing medicals upon arrival in Italy. ESPN reported that the move ends a disappointing 18-month spell for the German international at West Ham.

Why won’t AC Milan buy Fullkrug permanently?

According to Calciomercato IT, Milan intend to overhaul their forward line next season, bringing in two new strikers for Allegri, with Fullkrug and Santiago Gimenez destined for departure. Christopher Nkunku could also leave if a suitable offer arrives.

Despite the modest redemption cost of about 5 million euros, the Rossoneri strategy focuses on younger profiles, preserving funds for profiles like dream target Dusan Vlahovic, though the Serb may renew with Juventus. The club plans to build around Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, adding a new titular centre-forward.

Earlier reports from Sport Mediaset indicated Milan had reached an agreement with West Ham for the loan with conditional buy-right. Sky Sport Italia noted an offer of loan with buy option had been sent, with personal terms already agreed with the player.

How has Fullkrug performed at West Ham and Milan?

Fullkrug struggled to adapt at West Ham after his high-profile arrival from Borussia Dortmund, managing only three goals in 29 outings. The New York Times’ The Athletic highlighted his last goal came in April, underscoring a barren run.

At Milan, specific performance details post-loan remain sparse in recent coverage, but the club’s attacking revamp plans suggest he has not cemented a long-term role. TransferFeed noted his preference for the San Siro during winter talks, amid West Ham’s desire to offload his wages permanently, though Milan opted for an option over obligation.​

What is West Ham’s current position in the relegation battle?

West Ham occupy 18th place in the Premier League with 25 points, inside the drop zone alongside Wolves and Burnley, two points from safety with 11 games remaining. Sky Sports detailed their position as the final relegation spot, following a tough season.

A glimmer of hope emerged recently; after looking doomed early in the year, a huge win at rivals Tottenham sparked a survival bid. Yahoo Sports Canada noted they lost just one of their last six league fixtures—a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea where they merited a draw based on first-half play.

London World covered their survival efforts, linking to the Tottenham victory as pivotal.[user-provided]

Who is managing West Ham and what was their latest result?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side drew 0-0 with AFC Bournemouth at the London Stadium on 21 February 2026. SofaScore confirmed the scoreline, with West Ham dominating but failing to score.

ESPN analysis stated West Ham missed a chance to boost survival hopes, despite large spells of dominance against below-par Bournemouth. Captain Jarrod Bowen fired a glorious stoppage-time chance over, while Cherries winger Rayan clipped the woodwork. This marked the seventh successive draw in the fixture, stretching Bournemouth’s unbeaten run to seven.​

What dilemma does Fullkrug’s return pose for West Ham?

The Hammers must decide Fullkrug’s fate upon his return amid their relegation scrap. Currently battling to preserve Premier League status, reintegrating a 32-year-old with limited prior impact could strain resources, especially if wages remain high.​

Sky Sports highlighted West Ham’s upturn—losing only once since the Tottenham win—giving hope of avoiding relegation for the first time since 2011. Yet, with Milan not buying, West Ham face choices: sell permanently, loan again, or reinstate him under Nuno Espirito Santo.​

TransferFeed recalled earlier tensions, with West Ham preferring an obligation in the Milan deal while the Italians sought an option. Fullkrug’s desire for Milan adds uncertainty.​

Could Fullkrug stay at West Ham beyond summer?

Calciomercato IT states it appears certain Fullkrug will not remain in London next season, suggesting an exit post-return. His poor goal return and age may deter retention, aligning with Milan’s youth strategy.

However, survival could alter plans; Yahoo Sports predicts Wolves, Burnley, and West Ham to go down, but recent form offers counter-evidence. Nottingham Forest, in 17th, provide a nearby safety benchmark under Vitor Pereira.

What are Milan’s plans without Fullkrug?

Milan, second in Serie A behind Inter, eye major changes. Calciomercato IT outlines farewells for Fullkrug, Gimenez, and possibly Nkunku, targeting two new forwards including a Vlahovic pursuit.​

Sport Mediaset reported Fullkrug’s arrival filled the No. 9 void post-Gimenez’s ankle surgery. The Athletic confirmed the green light for medicals.

How did the Fullkrug transfer to Milan unfold?

Talks heated in December 2025; Sky Sport Italia reported Milan sending a loan-plus-option bid. Sport Mediaset announced agreement on 21 December, with Fullkrug landing for medicals Tuesday.

ESPN and West Ham’s site formalised it in early January 2026. TransferFeed noted Fullkrug’s Milan preference over Bundesliga interest like Wolfsburg.