Striker Victor Boniface faces an uphill battle to convince new Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik Ten Hag of his merits.
The Dutch manager, who has succeeded Xabi Alonso at the BayArena, has made clear his preference is for Czechia international Patrik Schick to lead the line. However, the former Ajax and Manchester United boss has not shut the door completely in the Nigeria international’s face, and is reportedly open to trying them both, likely in a strike partnership following the departure of the influential Florian Wirtz.
Boniface, who endured a disappointing sophomore year in Germany and was close to departing for Al Nassr in January, is short on offers, with only Newcastle so far linked.
Victor Boniface’s grand masterplan
According to a report in reputable German outlet Bild, Boniface has checked himself into the Marbella Football Centre in Malaga, Spain, in a bid to improve his fitness ahead of what could be a defining season in his career.
🎂In May 2025, Marbella Football Center celebrates 20 years of history, commitment and excellence dedicated to professional football.
🎂 En mayo de 2025, Marbella Football Center celebra 20 años de historia, compromiso y excelencia dedicados al fútbol profesional. pic.twitter.com/9eiNVefB1U
— Marbella Football Center (@MarbellaFCenter) May 21, 2025
The 20-year-old facility, per its website “is a high performance complex composed of different specialised training centres, designed to meet the needs of top level professional clubs.” It charges €200 a day, and has been used by the likes of Daley Blind, Emile Smith Rowe, Trent Alexander-Arnold and, most famously Diego Maradona, among others.
It marks a change of attitude for Boniface, who due to his extensive use of social media, has often been seen as carefree.
