Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart are reportedly interested in signing 32-year-old German striker Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Niclas Fullkrug has no future at West Ham United heading into the winter transfer window. The struggling German striker is keen on departing from the London Stadium in the coming weeks, as he is frustrated with his situation at the Premier League club, having spent a long time on the sidelines due to persistent fitness issues.

However, despite those problems, the experienced striker has no shortage of suitors vying for his signature, with Bundesliga clubs Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart keen on securing his services in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, West Ham would prefer to sell Fullkrug instead of sanctioning a loan exit, as that will help them fund their January signings.

Niclas Fullkrug and his West Ham United woes

Niclas Fullkrug has struggled to make his mark since joining West Ham United from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £27 million in August 2024. The 32-year-old arrived at the East London club amid hype and fanfare surrounding him, as he was an exceptional performer for the Black and Yellows. However, persistent injuries have plagued the Hanover native in the last 15 months.

Fullkrug has managed only 385 minutes of game time across seven outings in all competitions in the 2025/26 season, with injuries holding him back again. So, a winter departure is on the cards, with the German striker fed up with his situation. Meanwhile, the player has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Bundesliga return on the horizon?

Hamburger SV’s interest in Niclas Fullkrug is surprising, considering Merlin Polzin has three strikers in his squad. While Yussuf Poulsen and Robert Glatzel are on the wrong side of 30, Fullkrug is older than both attackers. Additionally, the West Ham misfit has struggled with injuries at the East London club. So, pursuing him makes no sense.

As for VfB Stuttgart, Sebastian Hoeness has three strikers in his squad, and the problem of plenty is similar to Hamburg. However, with Die Schwaben competing in three competitions, they can do with another striker heading into the second half of the 2025/26 season.

With Fullkrug keen on leaving West Ham in the winter transfer window, a return to the Bundesliga may be on the cards. Meanwhile, the East London outfit would prefer to cash in on the 32-year-old German striker instead of sanctioning a loan exit, as that will help them fund their January signings.