AC Milan have added Niclas Fullkrug to their title push, taking the striker on loan from West Ham with an option to buy at season’s end. Milan sit second in Serie A, one point behind Inter, and have gone 15 league games without defeat since losing to Cremonese on the opening weekend.
The move gives Fullkrug a fresh situation after limited action in England and offers Milan another centre-forward option for Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 system. The 32-year-old leaves a Premier League relegation battle and joins a squad competing at the top end of the Italian table.
Allegri’s team have been consistent in Serie A, building their unbeaten sequence while keeping close to city rivals Inter. Milan meet Cagliari on Friday, and Fullkrug has already trained
with new team-mates ahead of that fixture. The forward will wear the number nine shirt, a role that brings heavy responsibility at San Siro.
Milan have often used Christian Pulisic as one of two forwards in their 3-5-2 this season, adapting the attack around injuries and form. Fullkrug’s arrival offers a more traditional focal point in the penalty area. The coach can now rotate more in the front line during a demanding schedule at home and in Europe.
Fullkrug joined West Ham before the 2024-25 campaign after a strong year with Borussia Dortmund. The Germany international started the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, leading the line against Real Madrid. That appearance highlighted Fullkrug’s status at Dortmund before West Ham moved to bring the striker to London.
West Ham, however, have changed permanent managers three times since Fullkrug arrived, impacting continuity and selection. Fullkrug scored three goals across 26 Premier League matches. Two goals came in nine games under Julen Lopetegui, while one goal arrived during 13 appearances with Graham Potter in charge of the team.
Minutes became even harder to secure after Nuno Espirito Santo took over at the London Stadium in September. Since that appointment, Fullkrug has started only twice in the league and played 178 minutes in total. West Ham now view the forward as surplus to requirements, clearing the way for the temporary switch to Milan.
The agreement gives Milan extra depth for the title race, while West Ham reduce their attacking options and wage bill during a difficult league campaign. Fullkrug now moves from a squad fighting to avoid relegation to a club aiming for the Scudetto, with the possibility of a permanent deal if both sides are satisfied.
