Player waiting to fly for transfer – West Ham to exchange contracts on Monday for exit

West Ham United are on the verge of completing their first deal of the January window. They should do so days before the month even starts.

Reports in both Italy and Germany have made it clear in recent days that Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan is happening. The 32-year-old’s transfer to the Premier League never really took off.

Füllkrug arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and there was hope he’d prove a useful addition. A late developer, the forward had risen to the point of being a Germany international.

Unfortunately, and for a variety of reasons including fitness and form, the move didn’t work out. AC Milan are aware they’re taking a gamble, but feel the deal with West Ham is good enough.

The player is now waiting for the green light to fly, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting contracts could be exchanged as early as Monday. Doubts are mentioned again, and it’s stated the German is seen as an emergency solution.

Over at Corriere dello Sport it’s reported AC Milan have agreed to pay Füllkrug €1.5m in salary between now and the end of the season. The Italian newspaper also believe there’s a €10m buying option.

Whether to use that option rests entirely on the Rossoneri. There’s no clauses which could turn it into an obligation.

Niclas Füllkrug has a contract lasting until June 2028, West Ham will hope he doesn’t fulfil it.