Victor Boniface: Why Feyenoord could be perfect escape route from Bayer Leverkusen

Victor Boniface’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen has changed sharply, and Feyenoord could offer the Nigeria international a way out, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Hannover-linked 25-year-old returned to Leverkusen after spending last season on loan at Werder Bremen. Despite impressing during preseason, his start to the new campaign has been difficult. Boniface has played only once in the Bundesliga, coming on for six minutes in the 3-2 defeat at SV Elversberg. He was an unused substitute in the 4-0 DFB-Pokal win at Wehen Wiesbaden.

That leaves the Nigeria international, who spent part of last season on loan at Werder Bremen, behind other attacking options at Leverkusen and short of the regular football he needs.

His situation is a long way from his first season in Germany. Boniface scored 13 goals and made nine assists in 22 Bundesliga appearances in 2023-24. He was voted Bundesliga Rookie of the Season after helping Leverkusen win the title without losing a league game.

A move to Rotterdam could therefore give him more than a change of club. It could give him a central role again.

FootballTransfers reports that Feyenoord’s data profile makes Boniface a strong fit. SciSports gives him a Club Fit score of 82, with his skill rated at 77.8. The report also suggests a loan deal with a possible option to buy could be a solution.

Why Boniface can replace Ueda

Feyenoord suddenly need a new No. 9 after Ayase Ueda joined Lille on August 31.

Ueda left Rotterdam after scoring 25 Eredivisie goals last season. He became Feyenoord’s first league top scorer since Nicolai Jørgensen in 2017. He also started the new campaign strongly, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four appearances before his €15 million move to Lille.

Boniface offers a different type of striker. Ueda built much of his game around movement in the box, heading and sharp finishing. Boniface is a 1.90-metre centre-forward who combines physical strength with speed and technical ability. He is often described him as a striker who is difficult to defend because of his power, pace and skill.

There is also proven Bundesliga production behind the Nigerian. Across his Leverkusen career, he has scored 32 goals and supplied 11 assists in 61 appearances.

Feyenoord already have Nacho Ferri and Shaqueel van Persie, but replacing a striker who scored 25 league goals demands more than simply filling a squad place.

Boniface would bring a proven goalscorer into De Kuip while giving himself the regular football that has disappeared at Leverkusen.