Newcastle step up moves to bring Boniface to England during the summer transfer window

ENGLISH Premier League giants Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Nigerian striker Victor Boniface with a view to purchasing him from German side Bayer Leverkusen during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Boniface, 24, has attracted interest from Newcastle in the past, as the club sought to purchase him during the January 2023 transfer window. That move, however, did not materialise and the striker remained in Germany but now, Boniface is said to be ready to leave Leverkusen, prompting the Magpies to renew their interest.

Apparently, Newcastle are scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window as they prepare to part ways with Callum Wilson. Boniface has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in July 2023, as he was among the best strikers in the Bundesliga in the first half of the 2023/24 season but his stock has since fallen after suffering a long-term injury.

Since then, Boniface has fallen down the pecking order this season, with Patrik Schick becoming Leverkusen's first-choice striker. However, several well-known clubs across Europe  are still after him, with Newcastle reported to be leading the chase.

Callum Wilson, Newcastle's current lead striker is expected to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Leeds United said to be leading the race for his signature. With just William Osula left on their books, the Magpies will need another striker and Boniface will fit the bill perfectly.

However, Boniface will cost a sizeable fee, with Bayer Leverkusen demanding around €50m to part ways with him. It remains unclear if Newcastle United are happy to pay that kind of money to sign the striker from the Bundesliga club, considering he will likely start as Alexander Isak’s deputy.