AC Milan have officially welcomed German striker Niclas Füllkrug to the San Siro, announcing his loan signing from West Ham United on January 2, 2026—the very first day of the Italian winter transfer window. The deal, which includes an option to buy for a reported 5 million euros (about $6 million), could see Füllkrug remain in Milan beyond the end of the 2025-2026 season if things go well for both player and club.
This move marks a significant moment for both Füllkrug and Milan, as the 32-year-old German international seeks to reignite his career after a frustrating stint in the Premier League. For Milan, currently sitting just one point behind city rivals Internazionale in Serie A, the signing adds much-needed depth and experience to their attacking options as the title race heats up.
Füllkrug’s journey to Milan has been anything but straightforward. Signed by Julen Lopetegui for West Ham in August 2024, the striker arrived in London with high hopes following a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund and several other German clubs. But the Premier League proved an unforgiving battleground. Füllkrug managed only three goals in 29 appearances over 18 months, a far cry from the prolific form that had made him a standout in the Bundesliga.
Injuries played a major part in Füllkrug’s struggles. According to reports, he was hampered by persistent fitness issues throughout his first season in England, which limited his minutes and dulled his sharpness in front of goal. The German international failed to score at all in the current 2025-2026 campaign, with his last goal coming way back in April 2025. That dry spell, coupled with West Ham’s evolving attacking lineup, meant opportunities became increasingly scarce for the veteran striker.
Despite these challenges, Füllkrug’s experience and physical presence have long been admired by coaches across Europe. Milan’s coach Massimiliano Allegri wasted little time integrating the new arrival into the squad. After passing his medical at the end of 2025, Füllkrug immediately began training with his new teammates. Allegri confirmed to reporters that the German would be included on the bench for Milan’s Serie A clash against Cagliari on January 2, signaling his intent to get the striker involved as soon as possible.
“He’s already started training with us and brings a different profile to our attack,” Allegri said in a pre-match press conference. “We believe his experience and work ethic can help the team, especially as the season enters a crucial phase.”
That crucial phase is no exaggeration. With Milan just a single point adrift of Internazionale, every fixture is taking on added significance. The Rossoneri have shown resilience and quality throughout the campaign, but injuries and fixture congestion have stretched the squad. The addition of Füllkrug offers Allegri a new option up front, potentially easing the burden on the club’s other strikers and providing a different tactical dimension.
For Füllkrug, the move represents a chance at redemption—a fresh start in a league known for its tactical sophistication and passionate supporters. While his time at West Ham may not have lived up to expectations, there’s no doubting the striker’s pedigree. Before heading to England, he enjoyed a successful run at Borussia Dortmund and had spells at other German clubs, consistently demonstrating his ability to lead the line and score important goals.
The Italian press has been quick to analyze the merits of the deal. Some pundits question whether Füllkrug, now 32 and coming off a goal drought, can rediscover his best form in Serie A. Others point to Milan’s track record of reviving the careers of experienced players and believe the move could pay off handsomely if Füllkrug can stay fit and adapt to Allegri’s system.
There’s also the financial aspect to consider. The reported 5 million euro option to buy is seen as a relatively low-risk investment for a player with Füllkrug’s international experience. If he impresses over the remainder of the season, Milan can make the deal permanent in the summer of 2026. If not, both parties can move on without significant loss.
Füllkrug himself has kept a low profile since arriving in Milan, focusing on settling into his new surroundings and earning the trust of his coach and teammates. Still, those who know him describe a player with strong character and a relentless desire to succeed. West Ham fans may remember his time in London as underwhelming, but the striker’s work rate and professionalism were never in question.
The timing of the transfer is also noteworthy. With the winter window just opening and Milan locked in a fierce title battle, the club’s swift action sends a message about their ambition. The Rossoneri are determined to push Inter all the way, and reinforcements like Füllkrug could make the difference in a campaign where every point counts.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Allegri’s team sheet for the upcoming matches. Will Füllkrug get his chance to shine immediately, or will he be eased into action as he regains full match fitness? With Milan’s attacking options already boasting quality and depth, competition for places will be fierce. But that’s exactly the kind of environment where seasoned professionals like Füllkrug often thrive.
Meanwhile, West Ham will reflect on a transfer that ultimately didn’t work out as planned. Signed amid much fanfare, Füllkrug struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. But football is full of second acts, and the German striker now has the opportunity to write a new chapter in one of Europe’s most storied leagues.
As Milan prepares for a crucial run of fixtures, supporters will be hoping that Füllkrug’s arrival sparks renewed momentum in their quest for the Scudetto. Whether he becomes a regular starter or a valuable option off the bench, his experience and determination could prove vital in the weeks ahead.
For now, the story is still unfolding. Füllkrug is on the bench, Milan is chasing glory, and the Serie A title race promises more twists and turns before the season is done. Fans in the red and black will be watching closely to see if their new German striker can deliver when it matters most.
