Newcastle in talks to sign £40m Champions League striker? - Big claims in new report

As Paul Mitchell prepares for his first full transfer window this summer, it'll be interesting to see if our sporting director pushes for overseas talent, Premier League proven stars or a mixture of both.

Newcastle’s ambitious transfer policy has seen us being linked with a number of quality players from across the Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A.

And now, according to the latest reports, we've turned our attention to the Bundesliga, with a certain Bayer Leverkusen star linked with a potential move to St James' Park.

Newcastle in talks over Bundesliga striker?

Newcastle United are thought to be eyeing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.

Coming courtesy of Africa Foot , the Nigerian international is described as being highly admired by Toon officials and would be a “very popular” signing.

We’ve reportedly been in talks with the former German champions over the last few weeks, as well as Boniface’s representatives over making the switch to the North East.

It’s expected that Boniface would cost just over £40m to sign, and could be just one name of a number of players due to leave Leverkusen over the coming months, alongside Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as Xabi Alonso leaves for the Real Madrid job.

But with our guarantee of European football as well as fresh freedom to act and spend in the transfer market, the report claims we are expected to follow up talks with a formal bid 'very soon.' Big claims, although time will tell if there is any truth to this.

Boniface, 24, has been in and out of the Leverkusen side this season, following 14 goals in 23 league games last term with eight in 19 Bundesliga outings across 2024/25, with another also coming in four of his Champions League appearances.

A risky signing, but one with huge potential?

In recent memory, making the move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League has been a risky one for players to make.

Only a select few strikers have gone on to excel in England, like Erling Haaland, Edin Dzeko and Papiss Cisse standing out.

But with experience across the Bundesliga, Europa League and Champions League, there’s not many available players on the continent who can match Boniface for his projected fee, not to mention he is a good age at 24 and certainly has the physicality to cope with English football as a 6ft 3' big man.

If we’re wanting to serious compete in European football next season, then we’re going to need at least some degree of competition for Alexander Isak, who has been playing at 60-70% in recent weeks, it would seem.

If Ipswich's Liam Delap is not attainable, perhaps Boniface could be a useful alternative.