CF: Füllkrug could play on same day as signing for Milan after FIGC ruling

Niclas Fullkrug is expected to be the first signing of the January window for AC Milan, but when can he make his debut?

Calcio e Finanza asks the question: can Füllkrug play against Cagliari? Milan are ready to close on their first signing of the winter mercato, having agreed a deal to land the German striker currently playing for West Ham.

It is expected to be a loan with an option to buy, and in recent days a breakthrough has arrived that could provide Milan with some relief. If an agreement is reached and the transfer is made in time, the German striker could be called up and even make his debut against Cagliari, in the first game of 2026.

On Friday, the Federal Council approved a waiver that could have an immediate impact on Milan’s transfer market (as well as, potentially, for Cagliari), to ensure equal conditions for all clubs. The Federation, accepting the request of the Lega Serie A, have authorised Cagliari and Milan to field any registered players on January 2nd.

This decision was far from a foregone conclusion, as the official opening of the winter transfer window coincides with January 2nd. Without an exception, new signings would not have been eligible for the match, as there would not have been enough time under the original rules.

The rule approved on Friday instead allows the two clubs to deposit the registrations and update the list of 25 players by 16:00 CET on the day of the match, thus making the players immediately available.