West Ham United has turned its attention to Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug after failing to reach an agreement with Aston Villa for Colombian forward Jhon Duran. The primary hurdle has been a significant difference in the valuation of Duran, with an initial proposal involving cash plus midfielder Lewis Orford now off the table as Orford negotiates a new contract.
Fullkrug: A Promising Prospect
Fullkrug, a 31-year-old German international, appears to be an attractive target for West Ham. He joined Borussia Dortmund from Werder Bremen in August 2023 and has two years remaining on his contract. Last season, he scored 15 goals in 43 appearances, including three in the Champions League, where Dortmund reached the final. His impressive performance earned him a call-up to Germany’s Euro 2024 squad, where he scored twice in five matches. Fullkrug is reportedly open to the move, and personal terms are not expected to be a barrier.
Alternative Targets: Alexander Sorloth
West Ham is also considering Villarreal forward Alexander Sorloth as another potential addition. The 28-year-old Norwegian striker had a remarkable season, finishing second in the race for the LaLiga Golden Boot with 23 league goals and three more in the Europa League. His consistent scoring ability makes him a strong candidate to bolster West Ham’s attacking options.
Advanced Talks for Aaron Wan-Bissaka
In addition to their search for a striker, West Ham is in advanced negotiations with Manchester United for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The clubs are reportedly close to an agreement, with West Ham keen to finalize the deal. United’s valuation of Wan-Bissaka exceeds £15 million, and the player is in the final year of his contract, exploring his options. Securing Wan-Bissaka would pave the way for United to advance their pursuit of Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui, with many aspects of that deal already agreed upon.
Transfer Window Closing Soon
The Premier League summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11 pm UK time, in alignment with other major European leagues. This deadline underscores the urgency for West Ham to finalize their transfer activities and strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
