Victor Boniface back in Bayer Leverkusen training: 3 possible outcomes for Super Eagles star

Victor Boniface has started work ahead of almost everyone else at Bayer Leverkusen as he tries to put an injury-hit season behind him, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker has been training at the club’s facilities for the past two weeks even though Bayer Leverkusen’s official pre-season programme does not begin until July 13. His early return shows how determined he is to convince head coach Carles Martínez Novell that he deserves a place in the squad for the 2026/27 season.

Boniface’s future, however, remains a big talking point at the Bundesliga club, with several possible outcomes still on the table.

The 25-year-old is continuing his recovery after an injury-disrupted spell that ended with surgery on his right knee in January.

According to German newspaper BILD, the operation was more successful than expected, with sporting director Simon Rolfes satisfied by the progress made since then.

Working closely with Bayer Leverkusen’s medical team, Boniface now spends several hours each day completing rehabilitation sessions, strength work, running drills and ball exercises designed to improve both his fitness and the stability of his knee.

Speaking about his recovery, Boniface admitted he has regained confidence on the pitch.

“The knee problems are no longer on my mind when I’m on the pitch,” Boniface told BILD. “That’s a very good feeling.”

The Nigerian international also made it clear that he is taking his comeback one step at a time.

“I’m working on getting back into very good form step by step.”

BILD also reports that Boniface plans to continue his preparations with a personal training camp in Marbella before the new campaign begins.

Despite having a long-term contract with Bayer Leverkusen, his position at the club is still under review as Martínez Novell and Simon Rolfes assess both his fitness and the club’s transfer plans for the summer.

Victor Boniface’s options this summer

Option 1: Stay and fight for a place at Bayer Leverkusen

The first possibility is for Boniface to remain at Bayer Leverkusen and compete for regular playing time under Martínez Novell.

His early arrival for pre-season has already sent a strong message to the coaching staff that he is determined to return stronger after months of rehabilitation. Club officials also remember the important role he played during Leverkusen’s historic domestic double-winning campaign before injuries interrupted his progress.

However, winning a starting place will not be easy. Patrik Schick remains the club’s leading attacker after enjoying a strong campaign, while youngster Christian Kofane is the new kid in the block. Boniface must, therefore, prove that he has fully recovered from knee surgery and can reach the physical level required for Bundesliga football.

His performances during pre-season, including any planned training sessions in Marbella, could play a major role in deciding whether he stays in Martínez Novell’s plans.

Option 2: Another loan move to rebuild his career

A second option would see Bayer Leverkusen approve another loan move to help Boniface regain full match sharpness.

Such a move would allow him to play regularly without Leverkusen permanently losing a striker who is still under a long-term contract. Regular first-team football could help him rebuild confidence after months on the sidelines and increase his value ahead of future transfer windows.

The challenge is finding the right club. Several teams are expected to monitor his situation, but previous interest from clubs such as AC Milan cooled because of concerns surrounding his injury record and recurring knee problems. A return to Werder Bremen could also be on the cards. However, recent medical concerns could again make potential loan deals more difficult to complete.

Option 3: Permanent transfer away from Leverkusen

The final possibility is a permanent departure if another club meets Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price. The Bundesliga side are clearly open to letting Boniface leave as they nearly transferred him to Saudi Arabia last year.

Clubs including Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and Premier League outfit Newcastle United were linked with him during previous transfer windows, but those moves failed to materialise because of financial negotiations and medical assessments.

His current recovery programme may now become the key factor. If Boniface enjoys a strong pre-season and proves he is fully fit again, Bayer Leverkusen could either keep him as part of Martínez Novell’s or receive fresh transfer offers before the summer window closes.

The Super Eagles striker’s focus at the moment, though, remains to get back to his best.