Agent insists Boniface has no plans to leave Bayer Leverkusen amid Newcastle United links

Bayer Leverkusen’s transfer plans have hit a snag as their star striker, Victor Boniface, has expressed his desire to stay with the club.

The Nigeria international is now at the center of a transfer conundrum for the Bundesliga side, creating an early headache for new head coach Erik ten Hag.

Leverkusen had intended to offload Boniface this summer for approximately €50 million, with plans to retain Czech international Patrik Schick as their primary striker and sign a new backup forward.

However, Boniface’s reluctance to leave has thrown these plans into disarray.

The 24-year-old’s stance was clarified by his agent, Atta Aneke, who told Bild: "Victor has ended the season after his trip to the national team.

"He’s on vacation now, will train hard during his vacation, and then return for preseason.

"There’s a new coach, a new setup, but still a very good team that’s back in the Champions League. Victor and I have never discussed a transfer."

Boniface was strongly linked with a move to Al-Nassr during the January transfer window, but the deal fell through, with the Saudi Pro League club ultimately signing Colombian youngster Jhon Durán instead.

In recent weeks, Newcastle United have been considered a serious suitor for the former Bodø/Glimt star.

However, Boniface's agent, Atta Aneke, has set the record straight, insisting that there are currently no negotiations underway with any club.

Reacting to reports linking his client with the Magpies, Aneke emphasized: "We haven't spoken to any other club. Currently, there are no thoughts of leaving Leverkusen. 

"Of course, you never know in football, but Victor loves playing for Leverkusen."

At club level, Boniface has amassed an impressive 102 goal involvements, scoring 72 goals and providing 30 assists across 178 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt and Union SG.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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