West Ham are plotting to sign a new striker in the January transfer window amid concerns surrounding Niclas Füllkrug and Callum Wilson, with the former recently sidelined yet again.
Niclas Füllkrug injury confirmed in blow for West Ham
Fullkrug missed both of Germany’s World Cup qualifying wins against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, and manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed exactly why.
In what is a major blow for new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Fullkrug finds himself back on the treatment table, having torn a muscle bundle in his thigh, with a report by Kicker suggesting he faces “several weeks” on the sidelines.
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The 32-year-old’s London Stadium stay has been marred by repeated fitness issues, with Fullkrug missing 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season as his physical problems continue.
It’s becoming crystal clear that Nuno cannot rely on the ex-Borussia Dortmund hitman to lead his line, and the Portuguese has precious few alternatives bar another injury-prone star in Callum Wilson and unproven youngster Callum Marshall.
The importance of signing a proven, reliable goalscorer cannot be understated, with West Ham also among the Premier League’s lowest scoring sides thus far as the Hammers yearn for attacking creativity.
Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has been repeatedly linked with a move to West Ham already in the build up to January, and despite failing to establish himself as a key man under Ruben Amorim this term, he could be a good option.
The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford have heightened competition for places, but Zirkzee was called a potential “elite” number nine in the making during his impressive spell at Bologna, so perhaps he simply needs consistent minutes to reach those heights once again.
A more ambitious option could be Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, considering he’s out of contract in 2026 and could potentially move for a cut-price fee in January.
That being said, West Ham could face stiff competition from the likes of Spurs and Chelsea for Vlahovic, while it is debatable whether the Serie A star would choose to join a side who appear likely to be battling relegation.
West Ham's striker "plan" for January involving Lucas Paqueta
In any case, no matter their desired target, it is believed that West Ham have every intention of bringing in a centre-forward when the window reopens.
That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who also reports that star £150,000-per-week midfielder Lucas Paqueta won’t be going anywhere in January despite reports, as West Ham want any new striker to feed off the Brazilian’s creativity through the middle.
The 28-year-old was subject to an offer from Aston Villa in the summer, but decided to stay at West Ham after the club stuck by him through his spot-fixing allegations.
Taking this into account, Paqueta will be itching to repay the faith with some vital performances under Nuno.
However, the East Londoners also have to make a key decision about Paqueta’s long-term future pretty soon, considering his deal expires in under two years.