Victor Boniface: Why Super Eagles star could leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface still has two years left on his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, but he could be on his way out of the club this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Boniface joined Die Werkself from Union SG in 2023 and was an instant revelation in his debut season. Spearheading their attack, he helped the club win their first-ever Bundesliga title, contributing 14 goals and eight assists in 23 appearances.

​At one point, he was even trading blows with Harry Kane at the top of the Bundesliga goal-involvement charts.

​However, since that stellar campaign, he has struggled to maintain those high standards. Last season, he was loaned out to Werder Bremen, but he spent the majority of his time there on the treatment table. He had to undergo surgery to correct a knee problem and only regained full fitness a few weeks before the end of the season.

​Boniface has since returned to Bayer Leverkusen and participated in their pre-season, but it appears he may have to look elsewhere this summer.

​Why Victor Boniface Might Leave Bayer Leverkusen

​Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach is Carles Martinez Novell, marking just his second major managerial job following a three-year stint at Toulouse.

​Naturally, a new coach usually gives every player a clean slate upon arrival. While Martinez appeared to do just that in his first few weeks, it seems he has now settled on his trusted personnel for the upcoming campaign.

​For the central striker position, Martinez appears to have chosen Afonso Moreira as his primary focal point. The 21-year-old Portuguese forward has started most of Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season games, with Patrik Schick leading the line in the only match Moreira missed.

​Meanwhile, Boniface has consistently been used as a second-half substitute. With just two weeks remaining until the start of the season, this hierarchy suggests Boniface is currently viewed as third-choice — and there is no guarantee he won’t be displaced by Christian Kofane as well.

​Why Exiting Bayer Leverkusen Will Be Difficult For Victor Boniface

​As it stands, Boniface is likely to be the third-choice striker at the BayArena next season, which is a difficult pill to swallow for a player of his quality.

​However, his hands appear to be tied. Although he was one of Germany’s most lethal marksmen a few seasons ago, a series of injuries have dealt him a tough hand.

​The 25-year-old forward was close to joining AC Milan last summer, but the deal collapsed after a routine medical flagged a knee issue. He later joined Werder Bremen on loan, only to suffer another major knee injury that sidelined him for most of the campaign.

​His recurring fitness struggles have made him a less attractive prospect for prospective suitors, who view him as a high-risk investment.

​Consequently, he may have to stick it out with Die Werkself for the upcoming campaign and hope that Coach Martinez gives him an opportunity to prove himself.

​Nonetheless, the transfer market remains open for a few more weeks, leaving open the possibility that another club might be willing to take a gamble on him.