Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been named as a backup option for Juventus in case the Italian club fails to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Juventus is planning to strengthen their attack in the summer transfer window, especially with current strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani expected to leave at the end of the season.
Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is their top target. However, his high price tag of €75 million and interest from other top European and Asian clubs might force Juventus to look at other options. Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, may also complicate any deal with their Serie A rivals.
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been monitoring Boniface for some time. Leverkusen is reportedly open to letting the 24-year-old leave, especially since he has struggled to secure a consistent place in Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup.
Boniface was close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in January, even passing a medical, but the deal fell through at the last minute.
This season, injuries have limited Boniface’s impact, with eight goals and two assists in 19 Bundesliga matches. In contrast, his debut season saw him score 21 goals and register nine assists in 34 games, helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal without losing a match.
Juventus is also reportedly looking at other strikers. One option is RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, who scored 29 goals and made seven assists last season. However, he is expected to come at a high cost, having joined Leipzig for €40 million from Lens in 2023.
Another possible target is Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze. The 24-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists this season and may be available for a much lower fee — around €25 million.
French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, who plays for Rennes, is also on Juventus’ list of options.
