Victor Boniface joins players on PSG radar to replace Mbappe
Super Eagles and Leverkusen Star Victor Boniface has been listed among five players on the radar of Ligue 1 giants PSG as possible replacement for want-away Kylian Mbappe. Recall that teammate and Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen identified as perfect Mbappe replacement. The list has grown longer with the addition of Victor Boniface and three others according to latest report.
Boniface who missed the recently concluded Nations Cup in Ivory Coast ,was a cornerstone of Union SG’s rise to prominence before joining the Xabi Alonso revolution at the BayArena several months ago.
Seamlessly acclimatising to life in Germany, Boniface has had a direct hand in 24 goals in just 23 matches across the Bundesliga, Europa League and DFB-Pokal – bagging 16 strikes and eight assists – although a serious adductor injury has sidelined him for the past few weeks.
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With goals in plentiful supply in all areas of the field, Leverkusen have not suffered in Boniface’s absence as they chase a first-ever Bundesliga title, and Boniface’s early-season exploits will no doubt see his representatives inundated with calls from potential suitors this summer.
As quoted by Brila FM, the Nigeria international has already expressed his interest in a move to the Parc des Princes, although he will certainly cost a lot to price him away from Leverkusen, who have him under contract until the summer of 2028.
Clubs from the Premier League could also throw their hat into the ring for the 6ft 3in 23-year-old, who is not expected to return from his groin issue until the start of April, but thanks to his scintillating start to the campaign, his stock has already risen enough.
Aside from Eagles duo of Boniface and Osimhen, three other players lined up as possibilities include AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
The 24-year-old needs only set up one more goal to hit the 10-assist mark in Serie A for the third season running, although he seems to have forgotten where he placed his best shooting boots; he is on a 16-game scoring drought in the Italian top flight stretching back to September 23.
Osimhen in action at the just ended AFCON is on PSG list.
Nevertheless, Leao was on target during Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League beating of Rennes, and owing to his 6ft 2in frame, explosive speed and penchant for mazy dribbles, the former Sporting Lisbon youngster has already drawn comparisons to the departing Mbappe in his fledgling career. Not left out on the five man list are Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah who is expected to return to action tomorrow againt Brenford after being sidelined by injury picked the last AFCON.
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Salah will 32 in the middle of June, but with 27 goal contributions in as many matches this season – 18 of his own and nine assists – it would be a surprise to learn that Liverpool were not considering prolonging their association with the ex-Chelsea man, especially having rebuffed Al-Ittihad’s £150m advances in the summer. Sealing the list is Jonathan David.
David may not have hit the unparalleled goalscoring feats of Mbappe, but 60 strikes in 133 Ligue 1 matches is still nothing to be scoffed at, and after a nine-match scoreless sequence from September to November, the 24-year-old now has six goals to show from his most recent nine outings in the French top flight.
Premier League interest in David’s services remains rife Chelsea, Manchester United, Brentford and Aston Villa are all said to be running the rule over him – but there is arguably no reason for PSG not to consider a Ligue 1-proven option for a reasonable fee.