Victor Boniface wants January exit but Leverkusen remain calm

Victor Boniface has told Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave the club when the January transfer window opens, according to Sky Germany, but sporting director Simon Rolfes says he is not concerned about the striker’s situation.

The report, carried by Bulinews on 22 October, says representatives of the Super Eagles forward have informed Leverkusen of his desire to move on. However, there are no known concrete negotiations with another club and any potential transfer is not considered to be at an advanced stage.

Boniface has played only once this season, featuring for five minutes during Leverkusen’s 3-2 Bundesliga defeat by Elversberg on the opening day.

He was subsequently left out of the club’s Europa League squad. Leverkusen registered Jonas Hofmann instead after Martin Terrier suffered a long-term injury.

Rolfes says Boniface is improving

Responding on 24 October, Rolfes said he was unconcerned by the situation. His comments were quoted by Africa Soccer from Transfermarkt.

“I’m not worried,” Rolfes said.

The sporting director also indicated that Boniface’s physical and mental condition had improved since the start of the season.

“Since then, he’s been in much better shape, mentally as well, and sees many more possibilities again,” he said.

Rolfes acknowledged that pressing and putting in significant work without the ball “wasn’t his core strength”. He added that Leverkusen’s immediate priority was to improve the striker’s fitness.

“We want to get his fitness level as high as possible so that he can showcase his qualities,” Rolfes said.

Two positions can exist at once

Leverkusen’s public position is that Boniface remains part of the squad but must work his way into contention for regular minutes. The reported request to leave, if accurate, suggests the player wants a quicker route back to playing than the club’s current plan provides.

Those positions are not necessarily contradictory. A player may seek a move because he wants more opportunities, while his club continues to believe he can regain his place by improving his condition and performances.

Soccernet’s earlier assessment outlined two possible routes for Boniface in January: a temporary loan or a return to action at Leverkusen.

The key indications before the transfer window opens will be whether Boniface is included in a Bundesliga squad and whether any club makes an approach for the striker.