West Ham United's plans to sign Victor Boniface may be in jeopardy after the Nigerian forward confesses he is not in a hurry to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Soccernet.ng reports.
After contributing 18 goals and ten assists in 29 games to power Bayer Leverkusen to a first-ever Bundesliga title, Boniface will be one of the most sought-after strikers during the summer transfer window.
Several top European clubs are reportedly monitoring the 23-year-old forward, who has a market value of 40 million euros and a promising future.
West Ham are said to currently be the frontrunner in the race to sign Boniface, with the Hammers' struggles in front of goal this term well documented.
Only Manchester United scored fewer goals than David Moyes' men among the league's top nine teams so far, with only Jarrod Bowen on a double-digit of goals (15).
However, there are strong indications that Boniface will snub all offers and remain in Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season.
In a chat with AFP as per SuperSport, the Nigerian forward, a childhood Arsenal fan, said he is not thinking of moving away from the German club and is focused on helping them achieve more success on the pitch.
“Right now, my full focus is on Leverkusen and being ready to try and achieve more good things with the club,” Boniface said.
With West Ham not playing Champions League football next season, Boniface is looking forward to defending the colours of Leverkusen in the competition, saying “it will be one of the proudest moments for me.”
Boniface is contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until the summer of 2028.
West Ham where? With due respect, but from the winner of the Bundesliga to a middle-of-the-road English club called West Ham? I know the difference and this suggestion tastes like rotten eggs in the mouth. It does not match at all, at all…
If Boniface decides to remain in Leverkusen for one more season in the hope of leaving for a big, big club thereafter, then he must improve his skills and performance level. If he dares to drop in his performance he will not be attracted to the big clubs. If he chooses to leave today, definitely he is bigger and taller than West Ham. Aah aahh…
Agreed.