West Ham announce £23m signing of Germany international Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund with hilarious reference to the striker’s nickname

West Ham have announced they have completed the signing of Germany international Niclas Fullkrug on a four-year deal.

The 31-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to the London Stadium from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

After undergoing a medical over the weekend, the club confirmed their signing of Fullkrug on Monday for a fee reportedly in excess of £23m.

‘I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new team-mates.’ Fullkrug told the club’s website. 

‘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.

The 31-year-old Germany international has signed a four-year deal at the London Stadium

‘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 [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.’

After joining Dortmund from Hannover last summer, Fullkrug went on to net 12 goals across 29 Bundesliga starts, and scored the winner in their Champions League semi-final first leg victory over PSG.

Fullkrug was part of the Dortmund side that reached the final of the Champions League last season

A surprise call up to the national team ahead of 2022 World Cup saw him become the oldest player in more than two decades to be make his senior debut for Germany.

Since then Fullkrug has become a valuable asset for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, and netted two goals to his international tally at Euro 2024 as they reached the quarter-finals on home soil.

Fullkrug has earned the nickname ‘Lucke’ — German for gap — in his native country, referring to his front teeth, a moniker the club referenced in their tweet announcing his arrival.

The capture of Fullkrug marks the fifth new arrival for the Hammers this summer, with the German joining Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Max Kilman, and Crysencio Summerville in Lopetegui’s new-look side.

West Ham are also targeting a move for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as the former England international enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.

The striker, affectionately referred to as ‘Lucke’ in his home country, has 12 goals in 21 appearances for Germany

However, reports suggest the move has hit a snag with the club unable to afford his £90,000-a-week wages and Bayern Munich right back Noussair Mazraoui a potential alternative option.

After succeeding David Moyes in the club’s dugout this summer, the Spaniard will look to get his team off to a winning start when they play host to Aston Villa in their Premier League opener this Saturday.