West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten is reportedly pushing for the club to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz, according to TBR Football.
In a report published on their website on 10 December, the outlet claims that Steidten is confident the 24-year-old striker can adapt quickly and make an immediate impact in the Premier League. With West Ham seeking a new forward for the second half of the season, Burkardt has emerged as a key target under Steidten’s guidance.
With Tim Steidten under pressure following West Ham’s underwhelming summer transfer business, the German technical director is eager to bring Jonathan Burkardt to the London Stadium. As the Hammers eye reinforcements in attack, a deal for the Mainz striker could be on the cards in the upcoming January transfer window.
Tim Steidten is prioritizing a move for Jonathan Burkardt, despite West Ham’s ongoing interest in Evan Ferguson and long-term target Yuri Alberto.
The Hammers’ pursuit of Burkardt appears to stem from Steidten’s confidence in the Mainz striker, even though other names remain on their January wishlist. Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, who has been linked with West Ham previously, is still of interest, but the Brazilian club reportedly demands a minimum fee of £16.6 million (UOL).
West Ham also “appreciate” Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, according to TBR Football. The Ireland international has been linked with a potential January move after struggling for game time at the Amex Stadium, with just two Premier League starts to his name this season.
St. Pauli manager Fabian Hürzeler has ruled out a January exit for 20-year-old Evan Ferguson, even on loan. Despite this, clubs across Europe’s top five leagues are closely monitoring his situation as the January transfer window approaches.
Brighton reportedly value Evan Ferguson at £60m, but a loan move for the second half of the season isn’t entirely off the table. While the Seagulls remain reluctant to part with the 20-year-old permanently, a temporary deal could still emerge as a possibility in January.
Despite West Ham’s interest in other forwards, Tim Steidten seems determined to land Jonathan Burkardt, who has emerged as an enticing prospect.
The Germany international has been in sensational form this season, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 13 Bundesliga matches for Mainz. Only Harry Kane and Omar Marmoush have scored more in the league, highlighting Burkardt’s impressive impact.