Werder Bremen are in negotiations with West Ham United to keep Niclas Füllkrug at the club permanently. Sporting director Clemens Fritz confirmed the ongoing talks with the English side on Friday, regarding the striker who is currently on loan until 2027.
Füllkrug is not only Werder's top scorer with nine goals in eight appearances this season, but also leads the Bundesliga's scoring charts. His form is a key reason why Ole Werner's side sit fifth in the table with 15 points from nine matches. "We would of course be delighted if he stays in Bremen beyond this season," said the 45-year-old Fritz. The sporting director emphasised the close bond between player and club: "We know what we have in Niclas, and Niclas knows what he has in Werder."
Why the deal matters
Füllkrug's contract with West Ham United runs until 2028, with his loan deal expiring in the summer of 2027. For Werder, securing a permanent move earlier is therefore key for long-term planning. The striker is a product of the club's youth academy and has returned to the Weser for a second stint after spells at Hannover and in England. His recent call-up to the German national team by Jürgen Klopp highlights his current quality.
The talks take place against a backdrop of mixed recent results. Last Saturday, Werder lost 1-0 at VfB Stuttgart, following a 2-0 home win over Hoffenheim the week before. In the standings, the team maintains contact with the top group but trails leaders Bayern Munich by six points. The next challenge is the North Derby against Hamburger SV on 22 November, a home fixture listed on the fixtures page. The attack has scored 17 goals this season, with more than half coming from Füllkrug.
Successfully concluding negotiations with West Ham would send a strong signal about the club's sporting ambitions. The details of a potential transfer fee are not yet public. For Fritz and the management, securing the future of their prolific striker is the top priority to solidify the team's positive trajectory.
This story first appeared at Transfermarkt
