Boniface: What Bayer Leverkusen chief’s stance means for Super Eagles star’s future

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface could be in line for a return to the first team at Bayer Leverkusen ahead of next season, Afrik-Foot reports.

Boniface originally joined Leverkusen in 2023 and played a key role in their historic unbeaten title-winning campaign during the 2023–24 season under Xabi Alonso. He was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and also earned a place in the Team of the Season for his impressive displays.

However, his next season was heavily affected by a recurring injury on his knee. The same injury problem also saw a proposed move to Italian giants AC Milan collapse after concerns were raised during the medical examinations.

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface. Photo by IMAGO

Boniface later joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan as he hoped to return to form. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted his spell once again and limited him to just 11 appearances in the league without a goal. He then underwent surgery on the knee problem he had been managing in January and has not played competitive football since then.

Simon Rolfes provides update on Victor Boniface

Victor Boniface’s loan spell at Werder Bremen was supposed to revive his career, but he will now leave the club after they decided against signing him on a permanent deal following his struggles with fitness and form.

The 25-year-old will return to Bayer Leverkusen, although there are still questions about his future and where he fits into Leverkusen’s long-term plans after a difficult campaign.

Speaking during an interview with Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes revealed that Boniface is working very hard and the club remains committed to helping him return to full fitness after his surgery.

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface. Copyright: xBEAUTIFULxSPORTS/Tonhäuserx IMAGO

“The result of the surgery gave him encouragement”, Rolfes said, via Bulinews.

“I have a good feeling that he is motivated to get back into shape. It’s about him helping himself, and us helping him to get back into good shape. Then we’ll see.”

What this means for Boniface’s future

There had been uncertainty over Boniface’s future, with questions about whether he would be reintegrated into the squad at Bayer Leverkusen or allowed to leave once again, given his injury record which has affected his availability in recent seasons.

However, Rolfes’ comments suggest the door remains open for a possible return to the first team and the former Bundesliga champions are willing to assess him again rather than make a rushed decision on his future.

Boniface’s talent remains unquestioned, especially given the prolific form he showed during Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign. However, his major challenge remains staying fit and consistent enough to secure a regular role. 

Werder Bremen forward Victor Boniface. Photo by IMAGO

His current contract runs until 2029 and Leverkusen are under no pressure to sell him and can afford to carefully manage his recovery and reintegration. Meanwhile, Die Werkself are now managed by Carles Martínez Novell following the dismissal of Martin Hjulmand at the end of last season, which could also open a fresh opportunity for the Super Eagles star to make an impression.

The upcoming pre-season will be very crucial for Boniface’s career. A strong showing could help him earn his place back in the squad and re-establish him as an important part of Leverkusen’s long-term plans.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.