West Ham have explored a move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, according to reports.

Writing on The West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), ExWHUEmployee said that the Hammers had considered “taking a gamble” on the Nigerian international who has a chequered injury history:

“It is thought that a number of forwards have been offered to the club by agents at the last minute and one that has been given some consideration. That player is regular target Victor Boniface.”

“The Nigerian has been regularly reported as a target in recent years and he became that again after he failed a move to Milan because of a medical. West Ham had considered taking a gamble on him despite his serious knee injuries.”

“Despite his injuries, the player has scored regularly in the German league and the same was said of Demba Ba before he joined us. It does seem, however, that the club for now will resist the temptation, but we will let you know if this changes.”

Boniface saw a £25m move collapse on Monday

As Ex mentions, the 24-year-old was poised to join AC Milan before he failed a medical. The Rossoneri were set to pay a €5m (£4.3m) loan fee, while they had also agreed a €24m (£20.7m) option to buy.

Boniface is currently expected to remain at Leverkusen, where he has spent the last two years, scoring 32 goals and providing 12 assists in 61 appearances.

Are West Ham looking to sign any other forwards?

Even before Callum Wilson was snapped up on a free transfer, it was reported that head coach Graham Potter wasn’t interested in strengthening the front line.

Wilson’s arrival was, therefore, a surprise, and the fact that an approach for Boniface was also considered suggests that the club may be tempted to reinforce the attack even further.

Purchasing midfielders still seems to be the Irons’ top priority ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday. The arrival of Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa will be announced imminently, while Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes’s move to the London Stadium is set to be confirmed soon afterwards.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here