Boniface Battle: Monaco Joins Newcastle, Milan

Three top European clubs are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface who nearly moved to Saudi’s Al Nassr in January.

Premier League side Newcastle United and Ligue 1’s AS Monaco have now joined AC Milan in showing serious interest in signing the Nigerian international, according to Afrique Sport.

Despite being contracted to the Bundesliga champions until 2028, Boniface’s future remains uncertain amid rising demand for his services.

AC Milan, long-time admirers of the 24-year-old, are also reportedly in the hunt, while Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr have reignited their interest after narrowly missing out on him in January.

Back then, Boniface had been on the brink of joining Al Nassr, with Bayer Leverkusen even accepting the terms of a potential deal. However, a last-minute change saw the Saudi side pivot towards Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán. Ironically, Durán is now back in Europe on loan with Turkish outfit Fenerbahçe, and Al Nassr’s sights are once again set on Boniface.

Newcastle United’s pursuit appears to hinge on the future of Alexander Isak, who has emerged as a top transfer target for Liverpool. Should Isak depart, Boniface is being lined up as the ideal replacement: young, strong, and prolific.

AS Monaco, fresh off a third-place Ligue 1 finish, are also eager to bolster their attacking options and have identified Boniface as a priority signing.

The principality club has already added Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati to its ranks this window and envisions Boniface linking up with fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena — two players of Nigerian descent.

Boniface, capped 13 times by Nigeria, is coming off a decent season in Germany, having notched eight goals and two assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances.

His blend of physicality, technique, and flair has caught the eye across Europe and with the transfer window heating up, his next destination could be one of this summer’s biggest moves.