Jonathan Burkadt has emerged as a target for West Ham amid a striker crisis, with two other stars also looked at ahead of January.
According toTBR, West Ham United are drawing up a list of potential striker targets ahead of January, as director Tim Steidten reported prefers Mainz man Jonathan Burkardt. The Hammers are in the middle of a striker crisis following events this season, as there are two other names apart from the Bundesliga star.
West Ham are in the midst of a striker crisis after Michail Antonio’s serious road accident severely depleted their options up front. The Jamaican international is unlikely to play again this season, with some stories suggesting he may have to prematurely retire from the game as a result of the injuries he has sustained.
Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug are the other options available to under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui, as the former is not preferred. At the same time, the latter has been injured for long spells. Even before the Antonio accident, the Hammers were seriously considering bringing in a new striker, as director Tim Steidtn has a preference.
Steidten wants to bring FSV Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt in January, with the 24-year-old Bundesliga striker starting the new season on fire. The Mainz man is third on the German top scorer’s list behind top scorer Harry Kane and Omar Marmoush. It’s no surprise that the twice-capped German international is attracting attention, with West Ham eager to lure him in.
Burkadt has a contract until 2027, which will make him an expensive acquisition. The 24-year-old Bundesliga striker has also shown plenty of promise, and there’s a feeling that more teams could come into the equation should Mainz indicate their willingness to sell at any stage in the January window.
West Ham have two other names on their list
West Ham are not placing all their eggs in the Burkadt basket, as the club are eyeing two other names.They are linked with Brazilian Yuri Alberto, having seen a bid rejected back in the summer for the Corinthians striker.
Evan Ferguson is also a player of interest, with the £60 million-rated striker someone the Hammers are closely monitoring as he continues to struggle for game time. The only issue with the Irish international is that Brighton wants to keep him for the future and might only sanction a loan move should West Ham come calling.