Paul Mitchell’s two transfer plans go public as Newcastle identify summer strategy

As Newcastle United prepare for their first full transfer window under sporting director Paul Mitchell, the club appears ready to make a significant statement of intent.

Fresh reports suggest the Magpies have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen’s powerful striker Victor Boniface, with talks reportedly underway to bring the Nigerian international to St James’ Park in a deal that could exceed £40 million.

The 24-year-old marksman has emerged as one of Europe’s most intriguing attacking prospects since joining Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. His imposing 6’3″ frame and impressive goal return – including 14 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances last season – have made him a coveted asset across the continent.

While injuries have limited his contributions this campaign, Boniface has still managed eight league goals and added another in the Champions League, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level.

According to sources at Africa Foot, Newcastle officials have held extensive discussions with both Leverkusen and the player’s representatives in recent weeks.

The report suggests the move would prove “very popular” among the Toon Army, who have been craving additional firepower to support Alexander Isak. With Leverkusen preparing for a summer of transition as Xabi Alonso departs for Real Madrid – potentially triggering exits for several stars including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong – Newcastle sense an opportunity to secure their primary target.

The proposed deal carries inherent risks given the mixed success of Bundesliga strikers adapting to English football. While Erling Haaland represents the gold standard of such transitions, many others have struggled with the Premier League’s physical demands and relentless schedule.

However, Boniface’s unique profile – combining aerial dominance with surprising agility and technical ability – suggests he could buck this trend. His experience across multiple European competitions, including this season’s Champions League, adds valuable pedigree as Newcastle prepare for their own continental campaign.

From a tactical perspective, Boniface would offer Eddie Howe something different to Isak’s more refined approach.

The Nigerian’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into action could prove particularly valuable in European away games, while his physicality would test even the most robust Premier League defenses.

At 24, he also represents a long-term investment with room to develop further under Howe’s coaching staff.

The potential acquisition raises interesting questions about Newcastle’s broader transfer strategy. While homegrown talents like Ipswich’s Liam Delap have been linked, Boniface’s ready-made quality and European experience may make him a more attractive immediate option.

His arrival would also allow Isak to be managed more carefully after playing through minor injuries this season, potentially extending the Swedish star’s effectiveness across a grueling campaign.

Financially, the deal would test but not break Newcastle’s refreshed budget following the resolution of Profit and Sustainability Rules concerns.

The £40m outlay represents significant investment but falls within reasonable parameters for a player of Boniface’s age and potential resale value.

With European football secured and ambitious owners backing the project, Newcastle can now compete for calibre of signings that seemed unimaginable just three years ago.

As with all transfer rumors, caution is warranted until concrete bids materialize. However, the Boniface links align with Newcastle’s stated ambition to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

His potential arrival would signal the club’s determination to establish themselves as consistent top-six contenders rather than one-season wonders.

For Leverkusen, losing another key player following Alonso’s departure would represent another blow to their project.

But for Newcastle, securing a striker of Boniface’s quality could prove transformative – providing the cutting edge required to turn promising performances into consistent results.

As the summer window approaches, this is certainly one storyline worth monitoring closely.

The coming weeks will reveal whether these talks develop into a formal offer, but one thing is clear: Newcastle United mean business, and Victor Boniface could be the marquee signing that takes Eddie Howe’s project to the next level.

With European football secured and financial constraints eased, St James’ Park may soon welcome another exciting addition to its growing collection of attacking talent.