Soccer

West Ham complete £27m signing of Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Dortmund

The 31-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the Hammers.

Niclas Fullkrug in action for Germany at Euro 2024
Niclas Fullkrug in action for Germany at Euro 2024 (PA Wire via DPA/PA)
By Andy Sims, PA

West Ham have completed the signing of Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old has agreed a four-year contract at the London Stadium for a fee understood to be around £27million, becoming the fifth summer signing brought in by new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui.

“I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new team-mates,” Fullkrug said.

“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 the head coach 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.”

Andre Dozzell has joined Portsmouth
Andre Dozzell has joined Portsmouth (Nick Potts/PA)

Fullkrug scored 16 goals in 46 appearances for Dortmund last season, helping them reach the Champions League final which they lost to Real Madrid.

Lopetegui has also signed winger Crysencio Summerville for £25million from Leeds and £40million defender Max Kilman from Wolves, as well as goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme.

The PA news agency understands the Hammers are also close to completing the free-transfer signing of Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

Elsewhere, Championship newcomers Portsmouth have signed midfielder Andre Dozzell on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old was a free agent after leaving QPR at the end of last season.

Plymouth have signed defender Kornel Szucs from Hungarian top-flight side Kecskemeti for an undisclosed fee.

“He is a very talented young player, able to play in several defensive positions,” said head coach Wayne Rooney of the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

“As well as his versatility, he is very athletic, is comfortable on the ball and is well suited to the way we want to play.”