Niclas Füllkrug is reportedly on the verge of completing a sensational return to Werder Bremen. Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger reports that the 33-year-old striker will travel to Bremen on Monday ahead of a scheduled medical on Tuesday. Füllkrug is expected to join Werder on loan from West Ham United. The German international will reportedly accept a pay cut in order to facilitate his return to the Weserstadion.

The development represents another major acceleration in a transfer that appeared highly improbable only weeks ago. Get German Football News reported on Sunday that a Füllkrug return was gaining momentum after West Ham softened their stance. At the time, a potential termination of the striker’s West Ham contract was under discussion as the Premier League club sought a solution for a player no longer central to their plans.

A loan now appears poised to deliver that solution instead.

Füllkrug knows Bremen exceptionally well. The Hannover native spent part of his youth career at Werder and enjoyed two separate senior spells with the club. His second stint culminated in the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign, during which he shared the league’s top-scorer award with Christopher Nkunku and established himself as a Germany international.

Borussia Dortmund subsequently acquired Füllkrug before selling him to West Ham one year later. His career abroad proved considerably less successful. Recurring injury problems complicated his time in England, while a loan spell with AC Milan during the second half of last season failed to produce a permanent move.

Werder now appear prepared to offer their former striker another fresh start.

Provided Füllkrug passes Tuesday’s medical, his third spell at the Weserstadion could soon become official.