Niclas Fullkrug returns to Werder Bremen on season-long loan

Niclas Fullkrug has returned to former club Werder Bremen on a season-long loan from English Championship side West Ham, the German club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old striker has endured a difficult spell in east London since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2024. His time at West Ham was disrupted by injuries and ended with the club suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.

Fullkrug remains under contract with West Ham until 2028, but the Hammers did not give him a squad number for the new campaign as they prepare for their bid to return to the Premier League.

The Germany international made just 29 appearances for West Ham, scoring three goals during an injury-hit spell. He spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, where he scored once in 20 appearances.

Fullkrug enjoyed far greater success during his previous spell at Werder Bremen, scoring 49 goals in 124 appearances. He was also part of the team that helped the club secure promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2022.

Speaking after completing his return, Fullkrug said Werder remained a special club to him and revealed he was willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen.

“I’ve never made a secret of the fact that Werder is a very special club for me. Therefore, I was also prepared to accept a pay cut to make the loan happen,” Fullkrug said in a statement.

“It was important to me to play for Werder again.”

Fullkrug has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances for Germany, although he has not featured for the national team since 2025.

His return to Bremen gives the experienced striker an opportunity to rediscover his form and play regularly after a challenging period in England and Italy.