German media outlet BILD has dismissed reports linking Newcastle United with a move for Victor Boniface, stating that there has been no contact between the Premier League club and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The report also clarified that Bayer Leverkusen is under no pressure to sell the Nigerian forward.
Newcastle had reportedly been offered the chance to sign Boniface this summer, but BILD notes that there has been no significant interest from the Magpies.
“Boniface is happy at Bayer Leverkusen, despite his near move to Al-Nassr during the winter transfer window, which collapsed at the last minute. The 24-year-old scored in his first two games after the failed transfer, against Koln and Hoffenheim,” the report said.
The Chronicle also reported contact between Newcastle United and Boniface’s representatives, contrary to earlier claims that the 24-year-old was open to the move.
Boniface had nearly joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January before the deal fell through.
Since then, he has remained with Leverkusen, and manager Xabi Alonso emphasized that the Nigerian is not distracted by the failed move.
“These things happen,” Alonso told the Bundesliga website. “We spoke before this transfer window and he was open to the idea of a transfer, but he’s happy here. I don’t think this will cause him stress. He’ll adapt, stay positive, and fight for his place in the team.”
The 24-year-old striker, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20m, recently extended his contract until 2029, making him one of the club’s top earners.
Boniface enjoyed a standout debut season with Leverkusen, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances as the club secured a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double. Despite injury setbacks this season, he has netted seven goals in 13 league appearances.
