West Ham have found Niklas Fullkrug replacement as advanced talks underway: ‘He’s a livewire’
West Ham have their eyes fixed firmly on a new striker target as Niclas Fullkrug edges ever closer to an exit.
The German has seen his time in the Premier League hampered badly by injuries since his move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024, and he has managed just five league starts so far this term.
Football Insider revealed at the start of November that West Ham would seriously consider offers for Fullkrug in the January window, and since then, an exit from the London Stadium has grown increasingly likely.
Nuno Espirito Santo looks set to lose the 32-year-old just months into his reign in East London, but the club have already got eyes on their next move ahead of the upcoming window.
West Ham launch Zan Vipotnik enquiry amid Niclas Fullkrug latest
AC Milan have emerged as favourites to sign Fullkrug, and they have now taken a major step towards securing a deal for the struggling Hammers star.
The Italian giants are in advanced talks over a deal for the frontman, with journalist Matteo Moretto reporting via his X account that the San Siro are hoping for a straight loan agreement, although an option to buy could also be added.
With West Ham seemingly on the verge of losing Fullkrug, they have been forced to explore their options when it comes to filling the gap that will be left in the attacking ranks.
The E20 outfit have now made contact with Swansea City over a move for their striker Zan Vipotnik, according to Sam Cohen.
West Ham have asked about the Slovenian’s ability, as the move is understood to have come as part of their bid to gather information on several attacking targets ahead of January.
Vipotnik has hit 10 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, and he is a name that is under firm consideration at the London Stadium ahead of the window.
West Ham fans will love what ex-Swansea boss said about Zan Vipotnik
With Fullkrug’s exit from West Ham now seemingly inevitable, the fans have every right to be excited about the process of trying to replace the outgoing star.
The Irons haven’t had great success with their frontmen in recent years, but Vipotnik could be the man to change that, if comments from former Swansea boss Alan Sheehan are anything to go by.
The Irishman heaped praise on the 23-year-old after his double downed Norwich City in October, and he branded Vipotnik as a “livewire” for his display, according to Sky Sports.
“He was exceptional,” Sheehan said after the 2-1 win.
“They’re high-level goals, and you’ve seen a player that’s really enjoying his football. He gave two moments of real quality and that clinical edge we have been missing in certain games.”
Those words are likely to be music to the ears of West Ham fans, who have been starved of quality finishers at their club for several seasons now.
The club are sure to consider several options in their bid to find a new man to lead the line, but Vipotnik could prove to be the perfect player for the job.