In a competitive pre-season game last night as part of the Premier League Summer Series tournament in the United States, Niclas Fullkrug sent a resounding message to the West Ham fans and critics alike, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Everton.
The German striker’s clinical finish, praised by manager Graham Potter for his “unique intensity off the bench,” showed a lot of promise that the 32-year old has returned to form and fitness after a frustrating 2024/25 season marred by injuries.
Securing the win at Solider Field 🫡 pic.twitter.com/0IqF953xNK
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 31, 2025
Disappointing 2024/25 Season Plagued by Injuries
Niclas Fullkrug arrived at West Ham in the summer of 2024 with high expectations, having netted 15 goals in the Bundesliga and starred for Germany at Euro 2024. The £27 million signing was seen as the answer to West Ham’s long-standing search for a reliable No. 9, with technical director Tim Steidten lauding his hold-up play and ability to complement the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
However, injuries derailed what should have been a breakout campaign in the Premier League. Fullkrug’s troubles began early, with an Achilles tendon injury sustained on international duty with Germany in September 2024, sidelining him for three months. Just as he appeared to be regaining momentum, a hamstring injury struck during West Ham’s FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa in January 2025, a significant grade 3 strain, kept him sidelined for another ten weeks. In total, Füllkrug managed just 8 starts across all competitions, scoring a mere three Premier League goals.
The 32-year-old’s absence exposed West Ham’s fragility up top, with fans lamenting the “West Ham striker curse” as the team slumped to a disappointing 14th-place finish, hampered by the sixth-worst attacking record in the Premier League.
A Striker Recharged
Despite his injury setbacks, Fullkrug has emerged from the off-season with renewed vigor and optimism. Speaking on July 18, 2025, he revealed the extent of his dedication to regaining peak condition: “I worked so much during the off-season. I spoke a lot with the fitness team and did a lot of running almost every day. It helped me a lot. It’s the best I’ve ever felt.”
A week later, he doubled down on his confidence, stating, “I’m in a really good place. I wanted to get back to my best. I feel confident I can go on and have a good season.”
With West Ham’s attacking options precariously thin at the moment after Michail Antonio and Danny Ings were both released from the club, Fullkrug stands as the only senior centre-forward available to Graham Potter currently and he is heavily reliant on Fullkrug's fitness going into the 2025/26 Premier League season.
New Season Hopes
West Ham’s 14th-place finish in 2024/25 was a low point, with Graham Potter’s appointment in January 2025 yielding only fleeting signs of progress. The former Brighton and Chelsea boss won just four league games out of 15 matches from February, and fan frustration was palpable after a 1-1 draw against relegated Southampton in April, where Fullkrug himself criticized the team’s negative mindset. Yet, with a full pre-season under Potter’s guidance, there is cautious optimism that West Ham can climb back into the top half of the Premier League.
Fullkrug’s return to form could be pivotal. His physicality, aerial prowess, and knack for late runs, make him an ideal focal point for Potter’s system. If he can replicate his Dortmund form, where he scored 15 goals in 43 games, West Ham’s attack could transform from one of the league’s weakest to a potent force. His ability to link play with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta offers hope of a more cohesive unit, while his experience could provide leadership in a squad that has lacked spark.
The Hammers’ summer signings have been limited, with only two new players added so far, but the potential acquisition of a versatile attacking options like Harvey Elliott or a proven goalscorer like Callum Wilson could complement Fullkrug and ease the burden on him. Potter’s challenge is to instill consistency and control, areas where West Ham faltered last season. A top-10 finish, coupled with a strong cup run, is the minimum expectation for a fanbase eager to see progress at the London Stadium.
