No contact between Newcastle, Leverkusen for Boniface
German media outfit, BILD has countered reports of Newcastle United’s interest in Victor Boniface, noting there is no contact between the Premier League side and Bundesliga champions Bayern Leverkusen, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The report also stated that there is no pressure from Xabi Alonso’s side to sell the Nigerian forward.
Newcastle were said to have the chance to sign the Nigerian forward this summer, with the Bayer Leverkusen star being offered to the Magpies.
“Boniface is happy at Bayer Leverkusen, despite his near move to Al-Nassr during the winter transfer window before his move collapsed at the 11th hour. The 24-year-old scored in the two games after his failed move to the Saudi Pro League, against Koln and Hoffenheim,” the report stated.
The Chronicle also reported that there has been contact between Newcastle United and Boniface’s entourage, contrary to initial reports that the 24-year-old was open to the move.
Boniface had been on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January before the move collapsed.
Since the failed move, he has reunited with the German champions with his manager, Alonso also stressing that the Nigerian is not distracted by the failed move.
“These things happen,” Alonso told the Bundesliga website.
“We spoke before this transfer window began. He was open to the idea of a transfer, but he’s happy here. That’s why I don’t think it will be a big stress for him. He’ll switch back in his head and accept the idea that he’s staying here. He’ll see his situation positively and fight for his position in the team.”
The 24-year-old striker, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20m, recently signed a contract extension until 2029, making him one of the club’s highest earners.
Boniface enjoyed a stellar debut season with Leverkusen, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances as the club clinched a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double. This season, despite injury setbacks, he has still managed seven goals in 13 league outings.
