Seeking attacking reinforcements, Newcastle United could now sign a striker worth over £40m by taking full advantage of his recent fallout with teammates in what has been a nightmare period.
£40m+ star could replace Isak
With Alexander Isak set to be at the centre of a transfer scramble this summer, it's no surprise that Newcastle are reportedly seeking attacking additions just in case. The Swede is one of the most impressive strikers in Europe, which could yet see his price tag rise to £150m. That may not stop the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal from making their moves, however, such is their desperation for such a clinical forward.
newcastle-isak-premier-league
Of course, there would also be some benefits from cashing in on Isak. By selling the former Real Sociedad man for around £150m, PIF's full spending power would be unleashed from the chains of PSR, which have forced Newcastle to spectate several hefty deals rather than act in the last two transfer windows.
Once unleashed, the Magpies could be a frightening prospect on the hunt for the reinforcements that Eddie Howe has so desperately needed at times throughout the current campaign.
With that said, those in Tyneside will already be smelling blood around one particular target. According to Sport BILD, as relayed by Sports Witness, Newcastle could now sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €50m (£42m) this summer following a nightmare few weeks for the Nigerian.
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Since Al-Nassr ditched the chance to sign the forward in January - instead sealing a move for Jhon Duran - Boniface has fallen out with recent arrival Emi Buendia and, to make matters worse, been involved in a car crash having earlier filmed himself driving at 140km/h.
A growing problem at Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions could decide to show the 24-year-old the door - leaving Newcastle to take full advantage.
Newcastle should take Boniface gamble
Although his recent discipline struggles should spark plenty of concern, Boniface is one worth taking a gamble on if Isak departs this summer. For £42m, the Magpies could replace their star striker and have plenty of money left in the bank to improve the rest of Howe's squad in pursuit of Champions League qualification next season.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Victor Boniface Alexander Isak
Starts 10 25
Goals 7 19
Assists 1 5
Expected Goals 6.9 15.6
Whilst his actions have been unsavoury in recent weeks, the numbers speak for themselves. Boniface has been as clinical as ever whenever he's had the chance to start for Xabi Alonso's side - scoring seven goals from 6.9 expected goals.
It wasn't so long ago that the Nigerian found himself at the centre of the Spaniard's praise either. The Bayer Leverkusen boss told reporters earlier this season: "He has many qualities that could make him as formidable as Drogba.
"His strength and the difficulties he creates for defenders are remarkable. He’s exceptional in tight spaces and thrives around the box. But he needs to be more assertive in attacking the box when opportunities arise."