Boniface has been a revelation for Bayer Leverkusen since his move in the summer, but he could have been at Brighton instead
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface could have been a Brighton player if the club did not qualify for the Europa League this season, Soccernet reports.
Boniface had a good first season at Royale Union SG, registering 17 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances for the Bundesliga club.
Following his impressive displays, Bayer Leverkusen snapped up the 22-year-old hitman in a transfer worth €20.5million. So far, that decision has been yielding fruits for the Bundesliga club, as Boniface has registered eight goals and three assists in eight appearances for Leverkusen.
The Nigeria international has proven to be a gem for Xabi Alonso's side. However, he could easily have been under another manager.
According to The Mirror, Brighton is owned by Tony Bloom, who also had a majority stake at Royale Union SG. This made it easy for players like Kaoru Mitoma, Denis Undav, and Simon Adingra to switch between both clubs.
However, Bloom left his position because Brighton and Royale Union SG qualified for this season's UEFA Europa League. UEFA does not allow for two clubs owned(full ownership or majority stake) by one entity to participate in its competitions.
Unfortunately, for Bloom and Brighton, it came at a time when they needed to sign a striker. As such, they failed to sign Boniface. Because of his skillset- his control, quick change of pace, and eye for the pass, the Nigerian striker would have been a perfect fit for the Seagulls.
If Bloom was still in charge at Royale Union SG, he could have facilitated the transfer, especially as Boniface would have been a cheap option for Brighton.
Nonetheless, if Boniface continues with his brilliant performances, he could be on his way to a bigger club soon. He has already been linked to Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
