Soccer
West Ham United and Newcastle United are set to battle for the signature of Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, with both Premier League clubs keen on signing the Bayer Leverkusen forward in the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a priority target for West Ham, who are looking to strengthen their attack under new manager Graham Potter.
The Hammers have struggled for goals this season, netting just 30 times in the Premier League — one of the lowest tallies in the division.
Boniface, known for his physicality, pace, and lethal finishing, fits the profile West Ham are searching for.
Despite missing three months of the campaign with an adductor injury, the Super Eagles star has registered 10 goals and one assist in 1,100 minutes of action this season.
His overall record since joining Leverkusen in 2023 is equally impressive, with 29 goals in 49 appearances.
According to a report by Todofichajes, West Ham are hoping to leverage their sporting director Tim Steidten’s close relationship with Leverkusen — where he previously worked — to gain an advantage in negotiations.
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The Bundesliga champions rejected a €50m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January, but a fee of around £41m could be enough to tempt them into a sale this summer, especially if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
However, West Ham face stiff competition from Newcastle United, who are also monitoring Boniface as they plan to bolster their attacking options. Eddie Howe’s side are preparing to invest heavily in the squad after two quiet transfer windows as they seek to close the gap on the Premier League’s elite.
Newcastle see Boniface as an ideal backup to Alexander Isak, with Callum Wilson expected to leave St James’ Park at the end of the season. The Magpies have already made initial contact over a potential deal, and the player is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League.
Boniface’s arrival would not only add firepower to Newcastle’s frontline but also offer Howe the option of deploying him alongside Isak in a two-striker system — a partnership that could transform the club into serious contenders for European football.
The Nigerian international is close friends with fellow Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, with the pair often seen exchanging banter on social media. Osimhen has also been previously linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Both strikers have enjoyed meteoric rises in Europe, with Osimhen helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023, while Boniface played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last season.
With two of England’s top clubs vying for his signature, Boniface is set to be one of the most sought-after forwards in the summer transfer window.
His decision could prove pivotal in shaping the ambitions of either West Ham or Newcastle as they look to make a statement ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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