Leverkusen wants to sell Boniface at a discount as Atalanta increases Lookman’s release clause
Bayer Leverkusen are looking to move on from Victor Boniface this summer, according to reports in Germany.
The Nigerian striker, who was once a key figure under Xabi Alonso, has endured a difficult season, losing his place in the starting lineup due to injury and off-field controversies. Now, Leverkusen appear willing to cash in.
Boniface was one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting forwards at the start of the campaign, leading Leverkusen’s attack with confidence.
However, a two-month injury layoff at the end of 2024 saw him fall behind Patrik Schick in the pecking order, with the Czech forward taking full advantage of his opportunity.
Leverkusen were prepared to sell Boniface as early as January when Saudi club Al-Nassr tabled a €70 million offer, which included a lucrative €15 million per year salary for the player. However, the deal fell through when Al-Nassr opted to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead.
Although Boniface remained professional after the failed transfer, his latest bust-up appears to have been the final straw. According to Bild, Leverkusen are now actively trying to facilitate his departure and have dropped their asking price to €50 million plus bonuses.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, with reports suggesting they are willing to “do whatever it takes” to sign him. However, their priority remains Liam Delap, while Victor Osimhen remains a long-term target.
That said, a move to England might not be on the cards at all. Boniface has previously stated that he has little interest in playing in the Premier League, instead expressing a preference for staying in Germany or moving to Spain.
With Leverkusen eager to offload him and a reduced price tag now in place, it remains to be seen which club will take a chance on the talented but troubled striker.
Elsewhere, Italian Serie A club Atalanta have increased their asking price for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from €50m to €60m amid growing interest from Juventus and other suitors following his stellar performance in their recent encounter.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s emphatic 4-0 victory over the Turin giants last weekend, scoring his landmark 50th Serie A goal and further enhancing his reputation as one of the league’s standout performers.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Atalanta have raised their valuation of the 27-year-old despite reportedly agreeing in principle to let him leave this summer with two years remaining on his contract.
Juventus are believed to be the most interested suitors for the Nigeria international, who tormented their defence during Sunday’s historic thrashing at the Allianz Stadium which was Juve’s worst home defeat since 1967.
Lookman was a constant menace throughout the match, hitting the post with a deflected effort in the first half before forcing goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio into a desperate save moments later. His powerful shot led to Marten de Roon’s goal early in the second half, and he eventually capped off his performance by capitalising on Dusan Vlahovic’s slip to score Atalanta’s fourth.
The former Leicester City star has been in scintillating form this season, contributing 25 goals across all competitions – 13 in Serie A and five in the Champions League – while adding seven assists. His current tally of 18 goals has already surpassed his total from last term.
Lookman’s stock has risen significantly since joining La Dea, with his historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final securing Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy and helping him claim the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in December.
Despite a public fallout with manager Gian Piero Gasperini following a penalty miss in Atalanta’s Champions League exit last month, the pair have since reconciled. Gasperini even suggested that Lookman could wear the captain’s armband before the end of the season, highlighting his importance to the team.
“Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team,” Gasperini said at the Juve post-match press conference.
“He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great.”
With Atalanta maintaining outside hopes of challenging for the Scudetto, the club appears determined to maximise their financial return should they part ways with their prized asset this summer.
