"Absolute conviction" – DoF had faith in West Ham transfer, now being richly rewarded

Füllkrug has thrived since returning to Bremen on loan, scoring 11 goals in nine games after struggling at West Ham with injuries and a poor fit.

Niclas Füllkrug has rediscovered his form at Werder Bremen following a difficult spell at West Ham. The striker, who joined the Hammers for £27m from Borussia Dortmund in August 2024, managed only three goals and two assists in 29 games, hampered by recurring injuries including Achilles, hamstring, calf and muscle strains that kept him sidelined for 221 days.

Füllkrug returned to his former club Bremen on loan this summer and has since become the Bundesliga's top goalscorer with 11 goals in nine games. Bremen director of football Clemens Fritz, who orchestrated the move, expressed complete confidence in the signing. "We acted with absolute conviction," Fritz told Milan News, citing his long-standing relationship with the player and familiarity with the club's environment.

Fritz attributed Füllkrug's resurgence to the comfort and support Bremen provides, emphasizing careful workload management and the player's own maturity. "He knows what he needs—both in terms of his training regimen and how to take care of his own body," Fritz said. The director noted that Füllkrug's experience from his struggles abroad has made him more aware of his physical requirements, allowing him to perform at his peak.