Although Brighton is not known for making mistakes in the transfer market, it is beginning to appear that they made a mistake in not signing Victor Boniface in the summer.
The 22-year-old forward, who signed in August from Bodo/Glimt, played for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise during the previous campaign. For those who may not know, Tony Bloom, the owner of Brighton, held the majority stake in the Belgian team from 2018 to 2023. The two clubs continue to collaborate. For instance, Simon Adingra, who is currently playing well for the Seagulls, was on loan at USG during the previous season.
Adingra actually ended up being the team’s top scorer in the 2022–2023 season as they took third place and advanced to the Europa League.
After finishing as the joint-top scorer in the Europa League with six goals, Boniface led the team in scoring in all competitions. Marcus Rashford and him both shared the award.
The Nigerian international would therefore have been well-known to Brighton, who are renowned for their scouting network. Before the majority of elite European clubs were even aware of the 6’3″ powerhouse forward, he would have been on their radar.
Nonetheless, they sat back and watched this summer as Bayer Leverkusen paid a relatively modest €20 million to entice Boniface away from USG. He’s only been in the Bundesliga for a few months, but he’s already been linked with lucrative moves to the Premier League.
Newcastle United are said to be interested in the B04 No22, while Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in the free-scoring forward as they seek to replace Harry Kane. Other teams will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his progress following his spectacular start to life in Germany.
In 957 minutes in the Bundesliga, Boniface has seven goals and five assists. He’s one of the main reasons why Xabi Alonso‘s men are sitting atop the table with 31 points from a possible 33. In 230 Europa League minutes, the 22-year-old has three goals and an assist. To emphasize how important he has been for the German team, he has been involved in a goal in 10 of the 15 matches (66%) in which he has appeared.
In comparison, Evan Ferguson is Brighton‘s top scorer this season. He’s scored five goals, but he’s only been involved in three of his 14 matches (21%). Roberto De Zerbi’s side started the season strongly but have not won in the Premier League since September. Ferguson has scored just one goal in his last ten appearances for the Seagulls. Joao Pedro joined the Amex from Watford in the summer and has six goals to his name, four of which have come in the Europa League. He has contributed to a goal in six of his 17 appearances (35%) and four of his goals have come from the penalty spot.
To provide some context, only two of Boniface‘s ten goals have come from penalties.
So the three-cap Nigeria international has scored more goals and is more consistent in the final third.
More top teams are looking for traditional center-forwards, and Boniface fits the bill. The forward already has an Expected Transfer Value of €31m, which will only rise if his early season form continues.
This season in the Bundesliga, he is averaging 0.67 goals per 90 minutes, with an Expected Goals average of 0.95. So, he’s actually underperforming. In the German top flight, he has an Expected Assists per 90 average of 0.24. He composes and scores.
Boniface is a shot magnet, averaging over five shots per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga, but this appears to be his norm. At one point during his time in Norway, he was averaging more than six per 90 for Bodo/Glimt. He’s effective in possession, connecting with a teammate on 70% of his attempted passes. So he keeps the ball and defends it in the final third.
The No22 checks many boxes for a variety of clubs. This summer, he could be more desirable than compatriot Victor Osimhen, and the Premier League could be his destination. Brighton may come to regret not capitalizing on their relationship with USG.
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