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West Ham sign Niclas Fullkrug for £27m in bid to finally end striker question

Niclas Fullkrug has joined West Ham in a £27million move from Borussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old striker, who scored twice for Germany during Euro 2024, arrives as the fifth major signing of the Hammers’ summer following the appointment of new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Monday’s announcement confirmed a four-year contract for Fullkrug, who officially arrives for an undisclosed fee.

“I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new teammates,” said Fullkrug. “I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, and for me it is the right time to move over to England and play for a big club like West Ham.

“I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now - I know the technical director Tim Steidten very well, because we have history at Werder Bremen together, and I have watched some games and seen how much quality there is in the team.

“The chance to play under [Lopetegui] is also really exciting. His playing style is important for me, and I am confident that under him I will be able to perform at my best, and score lots of goals.

“I love being close to supporters, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the West Ham fans. I have a very good feeling at the moment - I’m strong, fit and in shape - and I just want to get out there and start playing for them.”

West Ham have now spelt around £115m combined on Fullkrug, Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville and free agent Wes Foderingham.

Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez is expected to be the next through the door after his Real Betis contract expired earlier in the summer.

The Hammers will hope Fullkrug can finally answer a major question which has persisted for a number of years, as they look to sign a dependable first-choice striker.

Gianluca Scamacca, Danny Ings and Albian Ajeti have all tried and failed to uproot Michail Antonio as West Ham’s leading man but there are hopes Fullkrug will answer the call with aplomb.