In the last few days reports have linked West Ham with old and new names as the club’s search for a frontman grows increasingly urgent. Names from South America, the UK and Germany have all been linked – even perennial rumours for Baris Alper Yilmaz from Turkish side Galatasary have surfaced again.
Given Tim Steidten’s links with the Bundesliga, when reports linked the Hammers with interest in FSV Mainz’ striker Jonathan Burkardt, the scenario rang true.
In a report just this afternoon infussballtransfers.com, West Ham’s interest in Burkhardt is confirmed even though the thrust of the article is to pour cold water on FSV Mainz being enthusiastic about seeing him mid-season.
Most Read on West Ham News
I’m not surprised. The 24 year old is the must successful striker in the Bundesliga in 2024, and to cap that was called up for Germany to replace the injured Kai Havertz, no less, in October. Therefore the likelihood of his club giving him up without a fight in January is deemed ‘rather questionable’ by fussballtransfers.com.
However in reality it just means the price needs to be high enough for Mainz to let him go. With three years left on his contract, he won’t come cheap. But then, neither did Niclas Fullkrug.