AC Milan have finally made a decisive move in the transfer market by securing the signing of Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham United. The deal is widely viewed as a direct response to Milan’s long-standing attacking issues, with the Rossoneri lacking consistency and reliability in the number-nine role throughout the season.
The 32-year-old Germany international has already arrived in Milan and completed his medical checks without major complications. An official announcement is expected imminently, as supporters wait to see whether Füllkrug can provide the immediate impact the club desperately needs during a crucial phase of the campaign.
While his arrival brings renewed optimism, it also raises legitimate questions. Füllkrug’s effectiveness under Massimiliano Allegri will depend heavily on his physical condition and how quickly he adapts to Milan’s tactical structure.
Füllkrug’s Profile and Physical Concerns
Bundesliga analyst Pietro Nicolodi, speaking to MilanNews, believes this is a transfer whose outcome is difficult to predict from the outset.
“It all depends on his condition, because most of his career has been disrupted by serious injuries and short recovery cycles,” Nicolodi explained. According to him, Füllkrug has often shown an ability to bounce back quickly from physical setbacks, but age now makes that challenge significantly harder.
At 32, the striker no longer has the margin for repeated stop-start seasons. Serie A’s tactical demands and physical duels require durability, and this remains the biggest uncertainty surrounding the deal.
From a playing-style perspective, however, Nicolodi highlighted Füllkrug’s positive attributes. “He is a fighter and a team-oriented player. He knows how to protect the ball and keep the team alive during difficult moments,” he said.
Technically, Füllkrug has evolved over time. “Earlier in his career he was quite rough, but now his overall quality is much more refined,” Nicolodi added, pointing to improvements in link-up play and positional awareness.
Proven Work Rate at the Highest Level
Füllkrug’s most convincing recent reference point came during the 2023/2024 season with Borussia Dortmund, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. While his goal tally did not always dominate headlines, his contribution was vital as Dortmund pushed all the way to the final.
“He may not always score, but he fights for the full 90 minutes and gives everything for the team,” Nicolodi noted. That relentless work ethic made him valuable even in matches where he did not find the net, helping Dortmund stretch opponents, win duels, and create space for teammates.
For Milan, who have often struggled to sustain pressure in the final third, that profile is particularly attractive.
Mandžukić Comparisons: Fair or Risky?
Füllkrug’s arrival has inevitably drawn comparisons to former Juventus and Milan striker Mario Mandžukić. Nicolodi sees similarities in mentality rather than pure technique.
“He sacrifices himself for the team, opens up space, runs endlessly, and helps defensively,” Nicolodi said. In that sense, Füllkrug fits the mold of a striker who contributes beyond goals—an attribute Allegri values highly.
However, the comparison also carries a cautionary tale. Mandžukić joined Milan in January 2021 with high expectations but failed to score in 11 appearances. Injuries and fitness issues limited his impact, turning what looked like a smart short-term move into a disappointment.
That history inevitably increases scrutiny on Füllkrug. The expectation is not necessarily for him to score at an elite rate, but he must provide tangible contributions that surpass Mandžukić’s brief and ineffective spell.
Why Milan Chose Füllkrug
From Milan’s perspective, the logic behind the signing extends beyond goals. Nicolodi believes the Rossoneri’s attack needed an experienced, hard-working presence capable of setting standards on and off the pitch.
The inconsistency of Santiago Giménez since his arrival has left Milan lacking a reliable focal point. Füllkrug offers a different profile—less explosive, perhaps, but more experienced in managing difficult matches and high-pressure environments.
His conversion rate, when fit, remains respectable, particularly inside the penalty area. He is strong in aerial duels, disciplined in pressing, and intelligent in occupying defenders—qualities that could benefit Milan’s wide players and attacking midfielders.
The Risk Factor Remains
Despite the tactical logic, the risks are clear. Füllkrug’s injury record cannot be ignored, and any recurrence would quickly undermine the purpose of the transfer. Milan are effectively betting that careful management and a lighter match load—especially with fewer cup commitments—will keep the striker available.
Adapting to Serie A is another variable. Italian defenses are among the most organized in Europe, and physical forwards often need time to adjust to the league’s rhythm and positioning demands.
Short-Term Fix or Smart Gamble?
Ultimately, Füllkrug’s signing should be viewed as a short-term solution rather than a long-term cornerstone. If his fitness holds and adaptation is swift, he could become a crucial piece in Milan’s push for domestic success, offering exactly the kind of grit and reliability Allegri values.
If not, the move risks being remembered alongside Mandžukić’s underwhelming stint—a reminder that experience alone does not guarantee success.
For now, Milan have acted decisively. Whether this proves to be a calculated masterstroke or another January gamble will depend on one simple factor: how often Niclas Füllkrug is fit, firing, and leading the line
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