Struggles in the UK and Injury Nightmare: West Ham’s Costly Gamble on Flop Whose Value Has Already Declined

Julen Lopetegui made waves in his first summer at West Ham, bringing in eight permanent signings and two loan players at a cost of £120.6m.

Among them were Jean-Clair Todibo and Carlos Soler, both arriving on loan from Ligue 1, with an option to buy included for Todibo.

One of the standout gains was German striker Niclas Füllkrug, signed from Borussia Dortmund for £27m as the Hammers sought a reliable number nine.

Fullkrug’s Difficult StartWest Ham turned to Füllkrug after a protracted search for a striker, with names like Jhon Duran also in the mix.

Yet, the German has only featured in four matches this season, hindered by what journalist Dom Smith described as an “injury nightmare.”

Club insiders ClaretandHugh suggest another issue: “he simply hasn’t settled in the UK.”

This leaves West Ham reliant on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, the same problem they faced in the summer, potentially forcing a move in January.

Concerns Over Fullkrug’s ValueDespite his impressive record last season—16 goals and 10 assists in 46 games—questions stayed over the £27m fee for a 31-year-old.

Those doubts seem justified; Transfermarkt now values him at just £12.5m.With Antonio and Ings struggling, West Ham may need urgent support, leaving Lopetegui’s striker gamble looking increasingly costly.