The return of Niclas Füllkrug has restored Werder Bremen's identity. The 33-year-old striker, on loan from English second-tier side West Ham United, has re-anchored the club both on the pitch and emotionally this season.
The loan deal without a purchase option only became financially feasible due to West Ham's relegation and the consequent halving of Füllkrug's salary to two million euros. For officials including Clemens Fritz and Peter Niemeyer, the transfer represents a major gain and a correction of past strategic errors. They believe the team would not have faced severe relegation trouble last season with Füllkrug in the side.
His form of four goals in just five Bundesliga matches has propelled Werder to seventh place with eight points. His average of 77 minutes per appearance shows his central role. His late equalizer in the 86th minute of the 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund on October 9th again highlighted his importance in decisive moments. With this contribution, Werder looks ahead to the next matchday with confidence.
The club wants to keep Füllkrug beyond the summer. However, his contract with West Ham remains, and a permanent move depends heavily on the English club's league status and the associated salary implications. Füllkrug himself, who lives for and loves the club, recently made an appeal to the media for fair reporting about his teammates. The next target is the home match against 15th-placed SC Paderborn 07 on October 17th.
This story first appeared at BILD
