Exclusive: Victor Boniface Open to Exit as Newcastle, Leeds and Al Nassr Circle

Bayer Leverkusen could be bracing for another major departure this summer, with Nigerian striker Victor Boniface attracting serious interest from several clubs across Europe and beyond.

Exodus at the BayArena

Leverkusen, who completed a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023–24 season, have already seen the exit of several key figures from their title-winning squad.

Manager Xabi Alonso left to take over at Real Madrid, while full-back Jeremie Frimpong made a high-profile move to Liverpool. Star playmaker Florian Wirtz is also reportedly close to sealing a club-record transfer to the Premier League champions, with Liverpool once again leading the chase.

Midfield stalwart Granit Xhaka is the latest to be linked with a move away, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Swiss international has agreed in principle to join AC Milan.

Boniface Future in Doubt

The latest player at the centre of transfer speculation is Victor Boniface, whose future at the club is now uncertain. Despite his contributions during the double-winning campaign, Boniface has slipped behind Patrik Schick in the pecking order following an injury-affected 2024–25 season.

While Schick ended the season with 27 goals in 45 games, Boniface managed 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.

According to reports in Germany, Leverkusen are open to selling the 24-year-old forward, who is valued at around €50 million.

Premier League and Saudi Interest

Sources have told SportsBoom that Boniface is open to a summer exit—but only under the right conditions. Discussions between the player’s representatives and Leverkusen are ongoing as both parties look for a resolution.

Boniface has drawn interest from Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and newly-promoted Leeds United, as well as Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

Second Chance for Al Nassr?

Al Nassr reportedly came close to signing Boniface in the January transfer window, but the deal fell through at the last minute. The club instead turned to Jhon Durán from Aston Villa, securing the Colombian striker in a deal reportedly worth €77 million. 

The Saudi outfit are still interested in the Nigerian striker, who would be the club's first option to replace the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo if he is to leave the club. 

Still Committed?

Boniface is currently on holiday in Nigeria, where he is training ahead of a potential return to Leverkusen for pre-season. While open to new opportunities, the striker has not ruled out staying in Germany with Leverkusen.

Boniface joined the Die Werkself from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023 and played a key role in their unprecedented domestic double.