West Ham must be wary of key issue amid interest in highly sought after target | OneFootball

West Ham United are one of several European clubs set to battle for FSV Mainz 05 striker Jonathan Burkardt, according to BILD.

Signing a striker is at the top of West Ham’s to-do list in the summer, and their interest in Burkardt is undoubtedly intriguing.

The German international has been in fantastic form for Mainz this season, spearheading their remarkable push for Champions League football with 14 goals and three assists in 20 Bundesliga games.

The Hammers desperately need a long-term solution to their problems at the top end of the pitch, and Burkardt could be a smart addition to Graham Potter’s squad.

However, West Ham must move with a degree of caution, given the player’s eye-catching injury record.

Niclas Fullkrug is an excellent example of why the Hammers should be wary of Burkardt’s injury record before making their move.

The 32-year-old has only played 11 times for West Ham across all competitions since his £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund and has spent a large chunk of the season on the sidelines.

Signing Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January was only a temporary solution to a long-term issue, but he has struggled to get going.

West Ham need a prolific striker to lead the line, and Burkardt has the profile of a player who could thrive in Potter’s system, but his woeful injury record cannot be ignored.

He has missed seven games due to injuries this season. He missed 11 for club and country last term, which came after a 41-game absence in 2022/23 after undergoing knee surgery.

His injury record is a major red flag, especially when considering the intensity of English football.

Mainz are reportedly demanding £42.5m for Burkardt – a steep price for a huge gamble that could come back to haunt the Hammers.

West Ham would be wise to hedge their bet by making sure the deal includes performance-based clauses if they move for Burkardt.