Boniface considers Bayer Leverkusen exit after limited Bundesliga role

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface is considering leaving Bayer Leverkusen after struggling to secure regular first-team football, according to reports cited by BSNSports.com.ng.

The Nigerian forward’s representatives have told the Bundesliga club that he wants to depart. However, there have been no advanced discussions with another club and no deal has been agreed.

Leverkusen have not closed the door on Boniface returning to their first-team plans, despite the uncertainty over his future.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes said on 24 October that he was not worried about the striker’s situation and believed the 25-year-old could still fight his way back into the squad.

Rolfes acknowledged that pressing and movement without the ball had not been among Boniface’s strongest qualities, but said the forward offered other attributes valued by the club.

Rolfes and head coach Carles Martinez have reportedly told Boniface that he must improve his physical condition and recover his intensity before he can expect to play regularly in the Bundesliga.

The 25-year-old’s lack of involvement this season has increased speculation that he could leave. He was not included in Leverkusen’s Europa League league-phase squad, with Jonas Hofmann taking his place after Martin Terrier suffered an injury.

Boniface has played only once in the Bundesliga this season. His appearance lasted five minutes, during Leverkusen’s 3-2 defeat by newly promoted SV Elversberg on the opening day.

PulseSports also reported on 16 October that Boniface had made just one appearance since returning from his loan spell at Werder Bremen.

His route back into the starting line-up has been made more difficult by the competition from Patrik Schick, who is currently ahead of him in the battle for the central striker position.

According to a Sky report, a loan move would be the most likely outcome if Boniface leaves Bayer Leverkusen. A permanent transfer has not been ruled out.

Leverkusen have not confirmed any decision about the striker’s future, so his possible departure remains an ongoing transfer situation rather than an agreement with another club.