Füllkrug takes a jab at Dortmund in a German press conference

This summer marked a significant change for Niklas Füllkrug as he decided to leave Borussia Dortmund after a standout season.

During his time at Dortmund, Füllkrug had an impressive run, contributing significantly with 20 goals and assists in the Bundesliga. However, despite his successful season, the club's decision to bring in new competition led him to reconsider his future with them. West Ham United eventually emerged as his new club, although the move was not something Füllkrug initially welcomed with open arms.

When reflecting on his departure from Dortmund, Füllkrug didn’t hold back his feelings. He openly criticized the club, saying, "There’s a reason you start thinking about leaving. Bringing in a competitor is certainly not a great sign of trust, let me put it that way." His comment clearly references Dortmund's acquisition of Serhou Guirassy from VfB Stuttgart, a move that Füllkrug perceived as a lack of faith in his abilities and role at the club. Such a decision by the management seemed to signal that his position was no longer secure, prompting him to look elsewhere.

As West Ham United entered the picture, Füllkrug saw an opportunity to pursue a new dream: playing in the Premier League. The 31-year-old striker expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "I wanted to fulfill another dream: playing in the Premier League. The Premier League is a special place." The allure of England's top flight, known for its intense competition and global following, was too enticing to resist, even if the transition initially seemed daunting.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund continued to undergo a period of transition. Alongside Füllkrug's departure, the club saw other notable exits, including Sébastien Haller moving to Leganés and Youssoufa Moukoko joining Nice. To bolster their squad, Dortmund brought in 21-year-old Maximilian Beier. Despite the changes, Füllkrug had kind words for his former club's new recruit. "Maxi is a good guy, very talented," he said. "I hope for him that he gets good service." However, even this well-wishing remark seemed to carry an undercurrent of criticism.

Füllkrug’s comment about hoping Beier receives good service can be seen as another subtle dig at his former club. Last season, Dortmund was criticized for their lack of crosses, providing the fewest in the Bundesliga. This lack of service from the flanks would be particularly frustrating for a striker like Füllkrug, who relies on deliveries into the box to capitalize on his aerial ability and finishing skills. His pointed remarks suggest a deeper frustration with Dortmund's playing style and tactical decisions that, in his view, did not play to his strengths.

Overall, Füllkrug's departure from Dortmund and his comments in the aftermath reflect a player who felt undervalued and underutilized. His move to West Ham represents a fresh start, one where he hopes to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in world football. At the same time, his words serve as a reminder of the often complex relationships between players and clubs, where trust, playing style, and career aspirations must all align for success. For Füllkrug, the Premier League offers a new chapter and the chance to prove himself once again, away from the shadows of his past experiences at Dortmund.