FEATURE | Niclas Füllkrug is proving that returning to Werder Bremen was the perfect decision

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Niclas Füllkrug’s return to Werder Bremen is quickly becoming one of the best stories of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The 33-year-old scored twice in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Mainz, taking his tally to eight goals in seven league matches and helping Daniel Thioune’s side climb to sixth place.

After two difficult years abroad, Füllkrug has rediscovered the goalscoring form that once made him one of Germany’s most effective strikers. More importantly, his performances are demonstrating that returning to a familiar environment can sometimes be more valuable than pursuing another opportunity at a bigger club.

Füllkrug continues to deliver

Against Mainz, Füllkrug demonstrated his composure by converting two penalties in the opening 25 minutes. His first came after Arthur was fouled inside the penalty area, while the second followed a challenge on Marco Grüll.

Although Anthony Caci reduced the deficit before half-time, Ludovit Reis restored Bremen’s two-goal advantage in the 61st minute. Jaesung Lee responded almost immediately, but Werder held on to secure their first away victory of the season.

Füllkrug has now scored in six consecutive Bundesliga matches, including braces against Paderborn and Mainz. His eight goals in seven matchdays underline just how influential he has become since returning to the Weserstadion.

More than just goals

What makes Füllkrug’s impact particularly impressive is that his contribution extends beyond scoring.

His physical presence provides Bremen with a reliable attacking reference point, allowing teammates to advance into dangerous positions while he occupies defenders. His ability to compete in aerial duels, protect possession and link attacks gives Thioune’s team something they desperately needed.

Against Mainz, Füllkrug contested 15 duels, more than any other player on the pitch, winning approximately 58% of them. Those numbers demonstrate his willingness to contribute even when he is not directly involved in goalscoring opportunities.

A decision that is paying off

When Füllkrug left Bremen for Borussia Dortmund in 2023, it was the right moment to pursue a bigger challenge. Reaching the UEFA Champions League final confirmed that decision. However, his subsequent move to West Ham United proved far less successful, with injuries and limited opportunities disrupting his career.

Returning to Bremen has changed that narrative completely.

Füllkrug is once again playing regularly, scoring consistently and enjoying the responsibility of leading a Bundesliga attack. His performances have also strengthened the argument for a return to the Germany national team.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this story is how quickly he has transformed Bremen’s expectations. Thioune’s side are now unbeaten in six consecutive Bundesliga matches and have collected 12 points from their opening seven games.

For a club that has spent recent seasons worrying about relegation, having a striker capable of delivering eight goals in seven matches provides genuine optimism.

Füllkrug’s return was initially celebrated as an emotional homecoming. Seven matchdays later, it is becoming something much more significant.

Bremen have rediscovered their goalscorer, while Füllkrug has rediscovered the environment that brings out his best football. Sometimes, coming home really is the best decision.

GGFN | Felipe