Bremen Coach: The team and Füllkrug both want to continue cooperation, I am cautiously optimistic

Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has expressed strong interest in signing West Ham United forward Füllkrug on a permanent transfer after his loan spell.

Werder Bremen has officially expressed its intention to secure the long-term stay of German international Füllkrug. The experienced forward, who had a difficult spell in England, is now enjoying a prolific scoring run since returning to the Bundesliga on loan.

Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has made no secret of his desire to keep Füllkrug at the Weserstadion beyond the current season. The 33-year-old striker has been in red-hot form since rejoining the club on loan, revitalizing an attack that has struggled for consistent output in recent years. Thioune stated that there is a unanimous desire within the club to continue the partnership long-term.

Füllkrug's impact has been immediate and undeniable. He has scored 9 goals in his first 9 appearances this season and currently leads the Bundesliga scoring charts. According to Sky Germany, the Bremen coach told Transfermarkt.de: "I think all parties have expressed their desire to extend the contract. The club, myself, and Niclas himself are all very keen to continue working together after this summer."

Despite Bremen's clear intentions, Füllkrug remains under contract with West Ham United, which complicates the situation. The forward joined the London Stadium from Borussia Dortmund in 2024 for a hefty €27 million transfer fee, but West Ham United's current situation in the Championship has altered his future trajectory. Any permanent transfer solution would require a complex agreement between all three parties involved.

Thioune was quick to acknowledge the obstacles ahead, particularly the financial aspects of a potential transfer. He pointed out that the English club's willingness to sell and the financial capabilities of all stakeholders would determine the outcome. "What do they want, and what are they ready and able to do? And we also have to be realistic: what can we do, and is Niclas ready?" the coach questioned when discussing transfer-related matters.

Despite the widespread financial constraints faced by Bundesliga clubs, Werder Bremen's management remains cautiously optimistic. Sporting director Clemens Fritz and general manager Klaus Filbry have both explicitly expressed their support for a permanent signing. Filbry noted that while West Ham United, as the parent club, holds the initiative, the final decision will still be influenced by various competitive factors, including league standings.

"Of course, West Ham United is a third important party involved here, and the league affiliation will ultimately have an impact. But I remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to complete the signing successfully ."

The decision to bring Füllkrug back to Bremen was a calculated risk that has now paid rich dividends for the club's board. Thioune, when discussing the initial reaction to the transfer, said that the idea of re-signing the national team striker "did not generate enthusiasm everywhere" at first. However, the forward's astonishing goal-scoring efficiency quickly turned public opinion in his favor.

The coach concluded by praising the club's recruitment strategy, specifically highlighting the sporting director's work in orchestrating the loan move. Thioune stated that the forward's current performance shows that "Clemens Fritz made absolutely the right decision."