Niclas Füllkrug: Could the Werder Bremen Star Return to Germany’s National Team Under Jürgen Klopp?

A Shift in National Team Selection

The prospect of a national team return for the 33-year-old Füllkrug appeared unlikely following his omission from the World Cup roster. However, his resurgence at the club level, combined with the German team’s current transitional phase, has changed the narrative. Per Mertesacker, the incoming managing director for sport at the DFB, recently declined to rule out a recall for the striker. Speaking during Werder Bremen’s 100th-anniversary celebration at the Weserstadion, Mertesacker emphasized that performance remains the primary metric for selection.

“I never say never to any personnel decisions,” Mertesacker stated. “I have experienced too often in football that current form is the deciding factor in a business that is truly about performance.” He added that every player has the opportunity to recommend themselves for international duty through their play in the Bundesliga or abroad.

Impact at Werder Bremen

Füllkrug has been instrumental in Werder Bremen’s recent form, scoring in each of the three league matches leading up to the current international break. This productivity marks a significant turnaround for the forward, who previously struggled for consistent playing time during stints with West Ham United and AC Milan. Since returning to Bremen, he has re-established himself as a focal point of the attack.

Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune has praised the striker’s influence on the squad. “His mentality to carry the boys along and put the ball in the net is mega,” Thioune said, following the team’s 3-2 comeback victory against FC Augsburg. While Thioune previously suggested that Füllkrug could be a candidate for the national side—comments he later walked back—he maintains that consistent production in the Bundesliga will eventually force the coaching staff to take notice.

A Career Defined by Resilience

Füllkrug’s career has been characterized by significant challenges, including a series of knee injuries that stalled his progress at ages 19, 22, 25, and 26. Despite these setbacks, he secured the Bundesliga top-scorer title at age 30 and became a prominent figure during the European Championship held in Germany at age 31. His ability to recover from long-term physical issues has contributed to his status as a fan favorite.

His tenure abroad was marked by timing issues, as he joined clubs during periods of decline. His spell at West Ham followed the club’s 2023 Conference League title, only for the team to be relegated from the Premier League in 2026. Similarly, his arrival at AC Milan occurred as the club lost its grip on a Champions League qualification spot. Back in Bremen, Mertesacker noted that the environment is better suited to Füllkrug’s current needs: “Fülle is thriving in his role again. When he feels comfortable and is fit, he can give the team an incredible amount.”

Germany assesses Füllkrug for potential national team return

The German national team continues its assessment of the player pool under Jürgen Klopp. While no official call-up has been issued, the focus remains on the upcoming Bundesliga schedule and whether Füllkrug can maintain his scoring streak. The striker has not publicly commented on a potential return to the national squad, preferring to let his performance on the field serve as his primary statement.