The cheeky Newcastle United £42m striker signing who could turbocharge attack for next season

With Champions League football secured for next season, Newcastle United are making moves on the transfer market to ensure they have a good run in both Europe and the Premier League.

After ending their trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup, Eddie Howe’s side have set a clear benchmark for the team moving forward. The Magpies are looking to kick on from the sensational scenes of clinching their first domestic trophy in 70 years.

With more success in sight for the coming seasons, Newcastle are looking at fine-tuning their squad on the summer transfer market.

Howe and co are expected to bring in a mix of marquee signings and young talent this window.

Newcastle linked with Bayer Leverkusen striker

Newcastle are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer and are said to be ‘in the mix’ to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen.

That’s according to BILD (via Sport Witness), who reported that a move to Saudi Arabia has fallen through, opening the door for a potential move to St James’ Park instead.

Pending Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has made it clear that Patrik Schik will be staying at the club. There were suggestions that either Schik or Boniface would be leaving the club this summer, and with the new manager’s mind seemingly made up, the latter is close to leaving the club.

It has been claimed that €50 million (£42m) would be enough to secure Boniface’s signature and Newcastle are ‘very much after him’ this window. Leverkusen are looking to finalise a sale, particularly after links with the Saudi Pro League collapsed. This could bode well for the Magpies, who are said to be seeking a discount on the quoted transfer fee.

What could Victor Boniface bring to Newcastle?

Keith Downie of Sky Sports has reported that a centre-forward is among the targets Newcastle are looking to bring in this summer. Downie has also suggested the Magpies will spend ‘in excess of £100 million’ on the positions they are targeting - a striker, right-winger, centre-back and goalkeeper.

With Callum Wilson potentially leaving the club this summer, Newcastle will need a back-up to support Alexander Isak. The Sweden international has been the crown jewel of the Newcastle attack and the club are doing everything they can to keep hold of him amid intense interest from rivals.

Downie reports that qualifying for the Champions League makes it ‘significantly easier’ to keep Isak on the books and describes the Magpies as being in a ‘strong position’ to convince him not to look elsewhere.

There is no doubt Isak will remain the focal point of Howe’s attack after his stunning 27-goal season. But with Champions League football to factor in and Wilson’s potential exit, Newcastle will need more options to support Isak.

Boniface scored 11 goals this season for Bayer Leverkusen but it has been described as a ‘disappointing’ campaign for the 24-year-old. This is a fair outlook, considering the Nigerian star enjoyed contributing 21 goals and ten assists during the 2023/24 season, and 22 goals and 11 assists prior to that.

Boniface is capable of superb numbers and in top form, his quality could be a huge boost for Newcastle’s attack. Not only will he be a threat off the bench, but if he starts ahead of Isak in any competition, fans will feel confident knowing he has the ability to score with ease, without placing all responsibility on Isak’s shoulders.