Victor Boniface transfer race: Hannover move, Leverkusen stay or another loan?

Victor Boniface has less than a week to settle a major question about his future in Germany, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker returned to Bayer Leverkusen this summer after a difficult loan at Werder Bremen. Now, Hannover 96 are interested in taking him to the 2. Bundesliga, according to German reports cited by Soccernet. The German summer transfer window closes on 31 August.

That leaves three realistic paths for the 25-year-old: move to Hannover, stay at Leverkusen or take another loan.

Hannover could give Boniface a fresh start

Hannover’s interest makes sense because Boniface needs something Werder could not give him consistently, and that’s regular football. His 2025-26 loan at Werder produced only 11 Bundesliga appearances, 333 minutes, no goals and two assists. He started only two league matches. Fitness problems also affected his spell, with concerns about his physical condition regularly making the press.

Hannover could offer a very different environment. The club finished fourth in the 2. Bundesliga last season and are building their attack around players such as Benjamin Källman and Benedikt Pichler.

Boniface would also arrive as a player with a clear job. Instead of fighting for short substitute appearances at a Champions League-level club, he could become a central attacking figure for Christian Titz’s side. That could mean starts, responsibility and a chance to rebuild his confidence week after week.

Staying at Leverkusen is now more realistic

A permanent return to Leverkusen looked less attractive after the Werder spell. His situation has changed during pre-season.

Boniface scored twice in four minutes in Leverkusen’s 7-0 win over Sportfreunde Baumberg in July. He then made an impact from the bench against Kickers Offenbach before producing the moment that could change his transfer situation.

On 15 August, he came off the bench against Newcastle United and scored an 82nd-minute winner in a 2-1 victory. Soccernet reported that his physical condition had also improved significantly compared with the spring.

Leverkusen still have serious competition in attack. Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane are among the forwards in the squad, alongside Boniface, Martin Terrier, Nathan Tella and several other attacking options.

Boniface has also set himself a target of 20 goals in the 2026-27 season. The problem is scoring 20 goals requires playing enough minutes to get into a rhythm.

Another loan could suit everyone

A second loan may be the middle ground. Boniface has a contract with Leverkusen until June 2029, so the club does not have to rush into a permanent sale.

A loan would allow Leverkusen to keep control of a player who has already proved he can score at Bundesliga level. He scored 22 Bundesliga goals in 42 league appearances across his first two seasons at the club.

It would also give Boniface another chance to play regularly without the pressure of immediately becoming Leverkusen’s first-choice striker.

Hannover could be one destination, but the loan market could offer other options before 31 August. A move to a club where he starts regularly would fit his current needs better than another season spent mostly on the bench.

Afrik-Foot’s verdict

Boniface’s situation is no longer as simple as it was after Werder. His 11-game, goalless loan was a clear setback. His pre-season performances, improved fitness and Newcastle winner have changed the picture.

Leverkusen can keep him. Hannover can offer him a leading role. Another loan could give both sides more time. The most logical outcome may depend on whether Boniface can get the regular minutes needed to turn his 20-goal target into reality. With the German window closing on 31 August, the answer will come soon.