significant development regarding the transfer market, Chelsea's pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has encountered a considerable obstacle. The 23-year-old forward has declared his preference for playing in Germany or Spain over the English Premier League, casting doubt on a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea is reportedly gearing up for a substantial acquisition in the upcoming 2025 transfer window, with Boniface emerging as a prominent target following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. According to TEAMTalk, the West London club views Boniface as a leading candidate to bolster their attacking options, particularly after he played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen's successful campaign last season. The striker netted 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, helping his team secure the Bundesliga title and triumph in the DFB-Pokal, despite facing some injury setbacks.
This season, Boniface has continued his fine form, contributing four goals and an assist in his first six matches. Chelsea's interest is reportedly fueled by a belief that the ex-Union SG player could be acquired for around £70 million, which positions him as a more financially viable option compared to his compatriot Victor Osimhen of Napoli, who is also on the club's radar. Additionally, Boniface’s wage demands are expected to be lower than those of Osimhen, making him an attractive option for Chelsea's recruitment strategy.
However, Boniface’s recent comments during an interview with Sporty TV have raised significant doubts about his willingness to join Chelsea. “I’ve always been clear about my preferences. Even before I had an international passport or arrived in Europe, I expressed that I don’t particularly like the Premier League. My preference leans towards German and Spanish football,” Boniface stated. He acknowledged that while he would consider offers from top teams, his ideal destinations remain Germany and Spain.
Chelsea is reportedly exploring alternative options should Boniface remain unavailable. Players such as Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are being monitored as potential replacements, as the club seeks to strengthen its attacking lineup. The interest in Boniface reflects a broader trend, with numerous Nigerian players gaining attention from top European clubs, highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian talent in international football.
Boniface's journey began when he joined Bayer Leverkusen last season for €20 million from Royale Union SG. His remarkable performances not only helped Leverkusen secure domestic glory but also propelled them to the final of the Europa League, where they faced a tough defeat against Atalanta. Currently, Boniface is valued at €40 million by Transfermarkt and has a contract with Leverkusen that extends for another four years. The Bundesliga club will certainly be keen to retain their prized asset, especially after successfully fending off interest from Manchester United last summer, when they placed a £47 million price tag on him.
As the transfer window approaches, Chelsea may need to reassess their priorities and consider how best to navigate Boniface's clear intentions while also exploring other targets to enhance their squad for the future. The football world will be watching closely as developments unfold regarding Boniface and Chelsea's ongoing quest to bolster their attacking prowess.
