Ask Mina: Do Liverpool need to buy a striker and is Fullkrug the worst signing in Premier League history?

Q: Niclas Fullkrug to Milan, what are they thinking and has he been the worst Premier League signing?

Via Reefer_9 on Instagram

A: It has certainly not been a happy Premier League spell for Niclas Fullkrug; indeed, all of West Ham United’s summer transfer signings have been almost a total failure. Fullkrug's transfer is one that will be discussed for some time, given how poorly it unfolded, which makes Milan’s interest all the more surprising.

The move to West Ham felt strange from the outset, considering his age and the money spent. Former technical director Tim Steidten defended the signing, insisting, “Niclas wasn’t just the type of player I was looking for on the pitch, but also someone who could lead the team off it. I would have paid even more if it had been my own money!”

He did neither. Instead, Fullkrug famously criticised teammates and the club after a draw with Southampton. He became part of the negative atmosphere engulfing the squad. On the pitch, he lacked the mobility and pace required, struggled with the tempo of English football and his work rate raised serious questions. His 18 touches against Arsenal suggested the player had mentally disengaged.

With no loan fee, no obligation to buy and only wages to cover, the risk is low for Milan. In a slower league, Massimiliano Allegri may believe a change of environment can revive Fullkrug. The Rossoneri already have their own striker issues with Santiago Gimenez, who has struggled with injuries and form, but whether Fullkrug is the answer remains open to question, even if Allegri has coaxed form from unexpected profiles before.

Q: Considering Alexander Isak’s injury, should Liverpool dip back into the market?

Via @Sasahsani on Instagram

Isak’s absence clearly hurts in the short term, but it does not automatically force Liverpool’s hand. The club did not build this squad with the idea of constantly papering over problems in January, and there is still a belief that they can absorb a setback without rushing into the market. Hugo Ekitike’s recent form buys them some time, and Liverpool have started to accumulate wins, albeit nervy ones.

But a lot hinges on what happens with Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot did say that he has no reason to believe the winger is leaving in January, but it remains to be seen what transpires.