West Ham’s search for a decent frontman goes one – and has been in evidence in its latest form – since the sale of Gianluca Scamacca and the failure to replace him. Niclas Fullkrug is likely to be a supersub, Evan Ferguson more than likely returning to Brighton at the end of his short loan – and that’s it. The cupboard is bare.The resurfacing of a name from last winter, therefore, rings true: Reported by Claret and Hugh [in December](https://www.claretandhugh.info/confirmed-west-hams-interest-in-11-goal-bundesliga-striker/) and linked with West Ham during that window was **Jonathan Burkhardt**, the Bundesliga’s top scorer in 2024.
The resurgence of interest from West Ham in advance of the summer window corresponds with his club FSV Mainz’s reported reluctance to let him go mid-season.
Reported today in [sportwitness.co.uk](https://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-in-picture-to-sign-24-year-old-transfer-ban-stopped-hammers-in-january/) from a story in German site sportbild.de, the Hammers are looking again at the striker who has just a €20 million release clause:
_“….Report that West Ham could compete with the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt for the striker._
_The striker is expected to have plenty of suitors this summer after another impressive season that’s seen him bag 18 goals and three assists in 29 games this season.”_
Research in December showed the 24 year old was at the top of his game and had just been called up into the German national side. One to watch, an exciting recruit providing the Hammers can push a deal forward and bring Burkhardt to London. Send for agent Fullkrug to do the talking!