‘I could have gone’: Germany international suggests he could’ve joined Everton in the summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Niclas Fullkrug has confirmed that he snubbed the chance to join the Premier League in the summer.

Speaking to Bild (via TEAMtalk), Fullkrug suggested he had the opportunity to join West Ham or Everton, who were both linked with the Borussia Dortmund star.

The 30-year-old had to wait till the latter stages of his career to get his big move, having netted 16 goals in 28 games for Werder Bremen last season.

His form in the Bundesliga also earned him a call-up to the Germany squad in 2022 and he has since scored seven goals in only nine games for his country.

Bild reported earlier this year that Everton were interested in signing Fullkrug, while West Ham were thought to be another club eager to bring the forward to the Premier League.

Fullkrug has now confirmed he could have joined a Premier League side ‘on the international stage’ but he didn’t fancy it, while that would suggest a move to Goodison Park was never really considered by the German.

Fullkrug eventually landed a £15 million switch to Dortmund, where he has scored two goals in five games in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to Bild, the striker said: “For me, it was clear. If I make a move, it has to be one where I feel a tingle in my stomach.

“I could have gone to England, for example, to a club that plays on the international stage. But I didn’t feel that tingle to leave Werder Bremen for it.

“I had to be very patient. It was only in the last week of the transfer window that BVB made an offer for me. I immediately felt a tingle with BVB. And I told him [Kehl] that I am convinced BVB needs me – and I also need BVB.”

An ambitious signing

Niclas Fullkrug would have been a very strong addition to Everton’s side given his goal record, his height and his stature.

However, the Germany international has spent his whole career in his native country and clearly would have had to receive a very tempting offer from the Premier League to have even considered it.

The Toffees’ position in the table in recent seasons has badly affected their ability to bring in their transfer targets, while it would have also been questioned whether they had the funds to be signing a player turning 31 this season.