Could Victor Boniface be the ideal replacement for the most valuable Nigerian star in history?
Could Victor Boniface be the ideal replacement for the most valuable Nigerian star in history?
Italian Serie A leaders Napoli are reportedly looking for a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen, targeted by several top European clubs.
Osimhen has enjoyed an extraordinary season, scoring 25 goals in 28 seasonal games, making him a rare commodity in the market.
As a result, Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, might consider a painful sale for the striker, valued at over €100 million – the most for a Nigerian player ever.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and even PSG are expected to battle for Osimhen’s signature in the summer, with the highest bidder likely to secure the league’s top goalscorer.
In anticipation of this possible sale, Napoli’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is reportedly looking at several profiles that could replace Osimhen while still respecting parameters relating to the cost of the card, salary, and age.
Victor for Victor: Osimhen out, Boniface in?
One player who fits these characteristics and whose name is being bandied around is Victor Boniface, the 22-year-old Nigerian striker impressing at Union Saint Gilloise in Belgium.
This season, Boniface has scored 19 goals in all competitions, resulting in his team’s surprise qualification to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Boniface’s qualities attracted huge applause a few days ago when he was named the UEFA Europa League Player of the Week after his outstanding performance against Union Berlin.
Still, according to Transfermarkt data, Boniface is only valued at €4 million.
Interestingly, it could take just €10 million to sign him away from Union Saint-Gilloise. His salary is also less than €300,000 annually, making him a potentially affordable option for Napoli.
Overall, Victor Boniface seems an ideal candidate to replace Osimhen at Napoli. His impressive scoring record and relatively low cost and salary make him a promising investment for the future.
Additionally, his Nigerian background could make him an attractive prospect for Napoli’s growing Nigerian fan base, who have already embraced Osimhen as a key player.
Ultimately, only time will tell if Boniface is the right fit for Napoli, but his potential and skill make him a player worth watching as the club navigates the summer transfer mar