Werder Bremen are reportedly keen to secure the services of striker Niclas Füllkrug on a permanent basis, extending his stay beyond his current loan agreement which runs until the end of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.
Füllkrug is currently on loan at Werder Bremen from West Ham United. While the German club is eager to make the move permanent, discussions with West Ham could prove complex, particularly concerning the financial aspects of a potential deal.
Contractual Situation and Key Obstacles
The 33-year-old forward remains under contract with Premier League side West Ham United until 2028. A significant detail in the current arrangement is the absence of a purchase option for Werder Bremen within the loan agreement. This means that any permanent transfer would require direct negotiations between the two clubs.
The primary obstacle identified for a long-term deal is Füllkrug’s wage demands. His salary structure at West Ham is reportedly dependent on the London club’s league status.
- If West Ham were to remain in the Championship, Füllkrug’s net annual wages are estimated to be around €2 million.
- However, should West Ham achieve promotion back to the Premier League, his wages could potentially double to €4 million net per annum.
Reports indicate that Werder Bremen would be unable to match the higher €4 million wage figure, presenting a considerable challenge to their hopes of retaining the experienced striker permanently.
What Happens Next
While Werder Bremen’s desire to keep Füllkrug is clear, the financial disparity, especially if West Ham returns to the Premier League, suggests that securing a permanent transfer will require careful negotiation and potentially a compromise on wage expectations. No concrete negotiations have yet taken place, but the Bundesliga club’s intent is evident.