After months of speculation, Newcastle United have now opted to let Alexander Isak depart for Liverpool this summer, according to widespread reports.
The Swedish forward will leave Eddie Howe’s squad and head to Anfield in a British-record £130m deal with add-ons. Still, the Magpies remain in the hunt for another striker on deadline day.
A number of centre-forwards have been put forward to Newcastle across the window, with Nick Woltemade already signed and Yoane Wissa seemingly arriving in a £55m agreement.
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But could Howe add a third option up front? TBR Football’s chief journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface is under active consideration.
The Nigeria international has been ‘offered’ to the Magpies late in the window, with the club understood to have ‘opened talks’ regarding a possible deal.
Boniface almost joined AC Milan earlier this summer, but a proposed £25m loan package, factoring in both fee and buy clause, failed to materialise.
At just 24, Boniface still has his best years ahead, but he’s already proven prolific at Leverkusen. Thriving under Xabi Alonso, he was labelled a “complete forward” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Though injuries have disrupted his development, the 13-cap Nigerian has still managed 32 goals and 12 assists in just 61 matches. His versatility allows him to play wide left as well as centrally.
His standout campaign came in his first year at Leverkusen in 2023/24, producing 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 outings. Nearly one goal contribution per game shows his outstanding quality.
If Boniface can replicate even part of what Isak achieved on Tyneside, he’d be a hit. Isak’s time ended awkwardly, but his quality for Newcastle was clear for all to see.
Across 109 appearances, the Solna-born star struck 62 goals and delivered 11 assists. None were bigger than his Carabao Cup final goal against Liverpool, ending Newcastle’s long trophy drought.
Boniface has also displayed clinical finishing that could make him Howe’s ideal Isak replacement. Like the Swede, he’s a 6ft 3in physical striker with real presence.
Even compared to Dortmund’s former striker, Boniface’s debut-season efficiency at Leverkusen surpassed Isak’s early output at Newcastle.
Underlying stats also underline the comparison. Boniface averaged 0.77 goals and 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90, while Isak posted 0.79 goals and 0.45 in the same stretch.
If Newcastle finalise a £25m structure to land Boniface, it would represent brilliant value. His metrics show he’s already among the sharpest finishers available.
In many ways, the Nigerian forward looks ready-made to be Howe’s new Isak as Newcastle step into another chapter at St James’ Park.
