Nigeria Players Abroad
“Perfect fit”: Analyst urges Galatasaray to move for Boniface as Osimhen exit looms
By Monsurah Olatunji
Renowned Turkish football pundit Ertem Şener has called on Galatasaray to consider Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface as a top transfer target, describing the Nigerian forward as a “perfect fit” to succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, has lit up the Turkish Süper Lig with an extraordinary tally of 36 goals and eight assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
However, despite his impact and the club’s interest in retaining him, the 25-year-old has reportedly set his sights on returning to Napoli at the end of the season.
With Osimhen’s departure appearing imminent, Şener has thrown his support behind Boniface as a viable replacement.
“Victor Boniface is the perfect fit for Galatasaray, but he has been struggling with injuries,” Şener told Habersarikirmizi.
“If he is going to be taken, care must be taken. However, he will do well at Galatasaray.”
Boniface, 24, joined Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023 and played a key role in the club’s historic domestic double, helping them secure both the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal.
But injuries have marred his second season, leading to inconsistent form and a diminished role in Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Still under contract with Leverkusen until June 2028, Boniface has nevertheless emerged as a potential summer transfer target for clubs across Europe, particularly those seeking a physical and technically gifted striker.
A move to Galatasaray could provide the Nigerian international with the platform to rediscover his peak form while helping the Turkish giants maintain their attacking potency in the wake of Osimhen’s likely exit.
