Newcastle Keeping Tab on Rising Nigerian Star Boniface
Leverkusen's Victor Boniface celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Cologne at BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (Marius Becker/dpa via AP)
In-form Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, is believed to be on the radar of English Premier League side, Newcastle, and weighing up a possible move for the forward.
The 22-year-old has been a sensation in the Bundesliga this term, banging in seven goals in seven games.
That prolific run earned him a call-up for Nigeria during the international break.
According to UK’s SunSport, Toon scouts watched Boniface play in Portugal for the Super Eagles against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
He didn’t score but was a handful against the Saudis, causing problems in their backline which forced an own-goal.
Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe has been keeping close tabs on the striker, who joined Bayer from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for $12 million in the summer.
The St. James’ Park chief is keen on adding some physicality to his frontline and sees Boniface as a top target who would complement the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Isak is able to play wide following the long-term injury to Harvey Barnes.
Wilson turns 32 in February and will have just 18 months left on his contract by that stage. Newcastle are also thought to be looking at raiding Arsenal for Emile Smith Rowe.
