German international Niclas Fullkrug has revealed that he didn’t fancy a move to England during the summer amidst interest from Premier League clubs.
The 30-year-old eventually signed for Borussia Dortmund in a £11.1m deal with Werder Bremen, though admits he ‘could have’ moved to the Premier League.
Fullkrug scored 16 goals in 28 games for Bremen last season and was the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer.
Indeed, German publication BILD reported that both Everton and West Ham United were interested in the forward.
However, the German international has now said that he wanted to feel a ‘tingle’ in his stomach should he move from Bremen, and the offers he received from Premier League clubs did not excite him.
Speaking to BILD (via TEAMtalk), Fullkrug 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.”
Fullkrug snub led Everton to pursue younger Beto
The 30-year-old could have been an interesting addition to Sean Dyche’s squad with his physical prowess and eye for goal likely to make him a popular figure at Goodison Park.
However, given his age, perhaps the club were right to look at alternative options, and eventually signed 25-year-old Beto in a £26m deal with Serie A side Udinese.
Fullkrug has scored two goals in five games since his move to BVB.