David Sullivan ‘to land bargain of summer’ with £17m striker signing at West Ham
Graham Potter has to be creative to strengthen his West Ham United squad this summer transfer window.
West Ham need to be careful with their finances after spending over £120million under the supervision of Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten last summer.
This could leave Potter at a serious advantage, as he looks to improve the Irons squad after what has been a nightmare of a season.
The East London outfit have set their sights on signing a new goalscorer after Niclas Fullkrug, Evan Ferguson, and Danny Ings left a lot to be desired amid Michail Antonio’s injury.
To West Ham’s delight, David Sullivan might have found the perfect market opportunity to address the situation.
West Ham hot on heels of Jonathan Burkardt as ‘transfer ban’ lifted
West Ham are interested in signing Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz to strengthen their attack, according to Sport Bild.
The German magazine reported via their website on Wednesday (14 May) that the Bundesliga club are open to offers for the centre-forward.
This is in contrast to their stance during the winter transfer window, when they imposed a ‘transfer ban’ on Burkardt.
It is worth noting that West Ham were interested in signing the striker as early as January, but seemingly did not move forward due to Mainz’s stance.
However, the German club will not stand in Burkardt’s way this summer if a club pay his £17million release clause.
Only three players have scored more goals than the Germany international (17) in the Bundesliga this season.
Considering his age and quality, West Ham may not be able to find better value for money than snapping him up for £17m.
Sullivan could thus land the bargain of the summer by signing the 24-year-old.
Burkardt to hit ground running at London Stadium
West Ham have confirmed that Ings will leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season, while Ferguson is also due to return to Brighton after his loan.
Antonio’s contract also expires this summer, but the Hammers are seemingly prepared to offer him an extension as he recovers from an unfortunate long-term injury.
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Mintues |
| 29 | 18 | 3 | 2156′ |
Nevertheless, Potter will still have only Antonio and Fullkrug as his senior centre-forwards next season, as things stand.
Therefore, it is evident that West Ham need to sign a new striker this summer, and Burkardt already appears to be an ideal fit at the London Stadium.
However, it is worth noting that there are also other clubs interested in Burkardt, with Eintracht Frankfurt viewing him as their dream signing.