Niclas Fullkrug has endured a miserable start to life at West Ham United so far, with the German struggling with injuries since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

What has been even more frustrating for the London Stadium faithful has been the fact that there seems to be no clarity regarding the striker’s availability, and he has returned to Germany for treatment [Sean Whetstone, 23 October].

There was much excitement when the 31-year-old signed for the Hammers in the previous transfer window, but so far, the club haven’t been able to reap anything from their investment.

Fullkrug featured in the first three games of the league campaign for West Ham and also started in the Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth on 28 August.

But having picked up an injury on international duty, the forward has been on the sidelines for several weeks, although he seems to have time to be on a game show called ‘Klein Gegen Gross’ back home [Niclas Fullkrug, 1 November].

Niclas Fullkrug a disappointment at West Ham

The German international made a name for himself in the last few years after some impressive displays in the Bundesliga and for his national side at Euro 2024.

It didn’t come as a surprise that the Hammers wanted to add a prolific striker like him to their ranks, and it was seen as somewhat of a coup when the club paid £27 million for him [BBC Sport].

But that decision seems to have backfired, and considering the age of the German, the Irons should’ve probably gone for someone younger in hindsight.

Michail Antonio has been the one Julen Lopetegui has relied on in the absence of the 31-year-old, but while the Jamaica international has been a great servant for the club, he can’t be the starting number nine if the Irons at all are ambitious.

Fullkrug’s injury isn’t his fault, but the forward’s appearance on a TV show at a time when both he and West Ham are struggling feels a bit distasteful.

If the Germany international isn’t serious about his recovery, then it would be prudent for the club to already start pondering a replacement.

In other West Ham news, Ray Parlour shares a ‘tough’ verdict ahead of the Nottingham Forest game.

West Ham respond to seriously exciting forward claim and top brass set out transfer budget

The January transfer window is now very much on the horizon and West Ham are being linked with a host of players.

Despite a busy summer transfer window which saw nine new arrivals, West Ham still only have a 23-man Premier League squad.

Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo have all impressed for the Hammers.

But technical director Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui have faced criticism over their decisions in other areas.

Notably regarding the midfield and up front.

Niclas Fullkrug always looked a questionable signing for West Ham.

Ageing duo Michail Antonio, 34, and Danny Ings, 32, are out of contract at the end of the season.

So West Ham needed a younger forward who could lead the line for years to come.

There is no doubting Fullkrug’s credentials as a top drawer target man and finisher.

But at 31, with a lack of pace and an injury list that should have raised red flags, signing the German for £23.5m looks a mistake.

Especially as he has been out for six weeks and is not expected back until December at the very earliest – but more likely January.

That explains why West Ham are looking at a number of strikers ahead of the winter window.

West Ham respond to seriously exciting forward claim

Indeed a journalist has told Hammers News talks have already taken place about a potential loan deal for one forward.

The Hammers have also been linked with Colombian attacker Jhon Arias.

In fact RTI Esporte have reported this week that Fluminense star Arias will almost certainly join the Hammers.

The Hammers were linked with a move to sign Arias in the summer, with Fluminense believed to be asking for just £11 million for his signature.

That’s nearly half the price Steidten paid for Luis Guilherme.
The 27-year-old Colombia international is a right-footed right winger by trade but can operate through the middle or on the left too. He can even play as a striker.

Arias has scored 13 goals and laid on on eight assists in 47 games for Fluminense this season so far.

Arias possesses pace and power in abundance – something that’s a non-negotiable in the Premier League.

Now West Ham have responded to that seriously exciting forwardclaim and the top brass have set out the transfer budget.

Sean Whetstone counts majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady as his ‘ins’ at West Ham.

He claims his top source has specifically spoken out about the Arias claims.

And it’s not good news for West Ham fans who were hoping to see Arias at the London Stadium.

“A senior club source denied the report by stating “We have enough wingers”,” Whetstone said.