In a recent report, The Evening Standard revealed that West Ham United are keen on recruiting Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, whose current contract at Turf Moor expires in the summer of 2022. However, it is understood that the Clarets are demanding £20m for their prized asset which the Hammers are unwilling to match in the upcoming January transfer window.
Tarkowski’s Decent Run Of Form In English Football
Tarkowski has made a solid start to this campaign as he has produced a handful of commanding displays at the centre of the Burnley backline despite their recent struggles in the Premier League. The 28-year-old has registered one goal in 12 matches for the Clarets this season on all fronts.
The former Oldham Athletic talent has been a rock at the back for Sean Dyche’s team based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 5.2 clearances per game in the English first division. However, he needs to take care of the ball a bit better when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 69.2% in league football (stats via whoscored).
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What Will Tarkowski Bring To West Ham United?
Tarkowski is usually quick to scan the danger and can get stuck in with a few crunching tackles to secure the ball back for the Clarets on the defensive end of the field. He is proficient at clearing the danger when the opposition are on the front foot.
The two-time England international can use his robust 1.85m frame to win a few important aerial duels for his side. However, he can sometimes give away the ball cheaply as he often goes long when passing the ball out from the back.
A defender of Tarkowski’s experience and skillset will undeniably be a good signing for the Hammers as he will bring a lot of bite and steel to David Moyes‘ defence. At 28, the Burnley powerhouse is currently playing at his peak, so West Ham can expect him to make an immediate impact at the London Stadium if they manage to get him on board in January or when he becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign.
