AliousWest Ham Revive Interest in Prolific Bundesliga Striker After Mainz Drop January Block
West Ham United are firmly back in contention to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Bundesliga side Mainz, following the lifting of a mid-season restriction that previously halted negotiations.
According to **SportBILD**, the 24-year-old striker had attracted serious interest from the Hammers in January, but Mainz imposed an internal ‘transfer freeze’ on the player to avoid weakening their squad mid-campaign.
Burkardt has enjoyed a standout season in Germany, racking up 18 goals and three assists across 29 appearances, putting him on the radar of multiple top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
With a €20 million release clause in his contract, Mainz are now open to selling him should any interested club meet the valuation.
Even potential qualification for the UEFA Conference League won’t deter them from sanctioning a move, as they recognize that parting ways is a likely outcome.
Both West Ham and AC Milan were reportedly prepared to make moves in the January window, but Mainz’s rigid stance at the time made a deal impossible.
However, that position has now softened, and the Hammers are expected to return with a renewed approach in the off-season.
Eintracht Frankfurt are also in the mix and had reportedly earmarked Burkardt as a top target.
However, despite their internal admiration, a recent high-level meeting between Frankfurt and Mainz failed to include any discussion of the striker, suggesting they may not be ready to make an official approach.
This scenario potentially opens a window of opportunity for West Ham to press ahead with a bid.
With fewer immediate competitors in play, and Mainz now receptive to negotiations, the London club may be well-placed to secure the services of one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting attacking talents.
Alious
