Newcastle United have set their sights on Victor Boniface, the young Bayer Leverkusen star who is making waves in the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso. As reported by The Sun, the Magpies are interested in Boniface as a possible long-term replacement for Callum Wilson.
During the recent international break, Newcastle scouts scouted the 22-year-old striker while he represented Nigeria in international matches. The reviews received for Boniface were extremely positive, which has further piqued the interest of Eddie Howe’s team.
Newcastle eyes one of Leverkusen’s stars: Boniface
The international break has been an opportunity for numerous top clubs to examine their potential signings, as many of the players were in action for their national teams. In the case of the Premier League, scouts traveled to different corners of the world and returned with favorable impressions of their targets, and Boniface was no exception.
Although Newcastle currently has attacking options such as Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, the board is considering the incorporation of a new striker due to the age of Wilson, who is 32 years old and has 18 months left on his contract in January. Therefore, the club is looking for a younger option.
In this context, the name of Ivan Toney arises as a possible addition, but the Magpies could be looking for someone even younger. Victor Boniface, with his seven goals in seven Bundesliga games, presents himself as a solid alternative. Bayer Leverkusen invested 20 million euros in his signing, a figure that could increase given his performance.
Reports indicate that Newcastle United kept a close eye on Boniface during Nigeria’s international matches in Portugal, where although he did not score, he wreaked havoc on opposition defenses and displayed the quality that has made him one of Europe’s leading goalscorers.
However, competition for his signature is fierce, with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City also interested in the young striker. If Newcastle are to secure Boniface, they will need to overcome the challenges posed by clubs of slightly higher status.
Despite the obstacles, Newcastle United could be willing to open their checkbooks to secure Boniface as a long-term option and as a potential successor to Callum Wilson up front. The future of this promising football star looks bright, and his destiny could be in the Premier League in the near future.
