Man Utd line up 'UNBELIEVABLE' Osimhen and Gyokeres alternative

Tom Weber

Updated: 21 Mar 2025 10:22 GMT
4 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Ruben Amorim, Victor Osimhen — © IMAGO

Manchester United have identified Mainz 05 striker Jonathan Burkardt as a shock striker target, according to a report.

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The Germany international is enjoying a magnificent season with his boyhood club. Mainz, who were battling relegation last season, are sitting in a mightily impressive third in the Bundesliga and look a decent bet to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in club history.

STATS

Jonathan Burkardt

F (C)

Mainz 05

Jonathan Burkardt

F (C)

Mainz 05

22

Games
15

Goals
2

Assists

Head coach Bo Henriksen has received most of the plaudits for turning the club around, with his high-energy style reminiscent of club legend Jurgen Klopp. The Dane has been attracting attention from England - as have his players.

None more so than 'Jonny' Burkardt who has notched 15 goals in the Bundesliga and is playing an 'unbelievable' season, according to Henriksen. His form saw him make his debut for Germany in November and he made his first start for his country on Thursday in a 2-1 win over Italy.

Burkardt is a pacy, well-rounded striker who can run in behind a defence but also combine with his teammates. He has always been a highly-rated talent, but injuries have occasionally hampered the 24-year-old's career.

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Man Utd eye Burkardt

Transfer speculation surrounding Burkardt has been rife in Germany given his spectacular form this term. Eintracht Frankfurt viewed him as an ideal replacement for Omar Marmoush in January, but Mainz unsurprisingly were not willing to negotiate a mid-season exit - especially not to a local rival.

Frankfurt remain keen for the summer as they expect Man Utd target Hugo Ekitike to depart, but Burkardt has also been known to have attracted interest from the Premier League.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that one of the clubs impressed with Burkardt is none other than Man Utd. Red Devils scouts are said to have given Ruben Amorim and his higher-ups 'glowing reports' of the striker.

Moreover, Man Utd's recruitment chiefs are attracted to Burkardt because of his familiarity with a 3-4-3 system, Bailey claims. The German would also likely be significantly cheaper than other targets such as Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap.

There had been an expectation in Germany that Burkardt would leave Mainz this summer, but this was based on the assumption that they would - obviously - not get into the Champions League.

However, with the 05er now so close to this historic feat, it could convince Burkardt, who 'loves' the club and captains the side, to stay put for one more season. Nadiem Amiri, who has also been catching the eye, has already made it clear that he will stay if Mainz qualify.