Newcastle United in mix for €50m signing after failed Saudi Arabia move

Newcastle United continue to keep a close watch on Victor Boniface’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen, with the striker now looking increasingly likely to leave the German side this summer.

A move to Saudi Arabia, once viewed as a strong possibility, has reportedly collapsed, opening the door for European clubs to make their approach.

Newcastle, who have long admired Boniface’s qualities, remain firmly in the mix and could be ready to pounce as the player inches toward an exit.

Reports from Germany, particularly from BILD, suggest that Boniface’s departure has gained momentum after Erik ten Hag confirmed Patrik Schick would remain with Leverkusen.

The Bundesliga champions had been expected to offload at least one of their forwards during the transfer window, and the decision to retain Schick appears to have sealed Boniface’s fate.

Leverkusen now view the Nigerian forward as expendable and are prepared to cash in on him, provided their asking price of €50 million is met.

Newcastle’s interest in Boniface isn’t new. The Premier League club monitored him throughout the season and even considered a move in the January transfer window, but negotiations with a Saudi Pro League side at the time diverted attention and eventually led nowhere.

With that deal now off the table, Newcastle’s path appears clearer, though they may still face competition from other European clubs.

Boniface’s season at Leverkusen started with promise. He hit the ground running, scoring crucial goals and making a strong impression in the early stages of the campaign.

However, a mid-season injury disrupted his momentum, and he struggled to re-establish himself in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI upon his return. His form dipped, and as others stepped up, his role diminished significantly.

Now, as Leverkusen assess their squad for the upcoming season, the consensus is that Boniface will not feature in their plans moving forward.

The Rheinische Post has also highlighted Newcastle’s interest in the 23-year-old, noting that the club has been evaluating Leverkusen’s attacking setup closely.

Their report points out that while Boniface’s season did not unfold as initially hoped, his raw talent, physicality, and finishing ability still make him a highly valuable asset—one that a team like Newcastle, looking to bolster their front line, could benefit from immensely.

If Newcastle move forward with an official bid, it’s likely they will attempt to negotiate a reduced fee from the €50 million currently being quoted.

Despite his potential, Boniface’s recent injury history and inconsistent second half of the season may provide them with enough leverage to seek a lower valuation.

Still, Leverkusen remain keen to generate significant funds from his sale, especially with new transfer targets of their own in sight.

As Newcastle look to refresh their squad under Eddie Howe and push for a stronger domestic and European campaign next season, adding a player like Boniface could provide the attacking depth and quality they’ve been seeking.

Whether or not they can close the gap between their valuation and Leverkusen’s demands will determine if this long-standing interest finally turns into a completed transfer.