Victor Boniface, the Nigerian striker for Bayer Leverkusen, found himself at the center of transfer speculation during the January window, with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr expressing strong interest. Al Nassr’s pursuit, promising a lucrative €15 million per season deal, ultimately fell through, paving the way for the Saudi club to acquire Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán for a hefty sum of €77 million, inclusive of add-ons. This turn of events effectively ended Al Nassr’s interest in Boniface, who had recently returned from a thigh injury that had sidelined him for a considerable period. Despite the failed transfer, Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, expressed unwavering confidence in Boniface’s resilience and determination to fight for his place in the team.
Alonso’s belief in Boniface stems from the player’s recent performances following his return from injury. The Nigerian striker has featured in three games, finding the back of the net twice. Notably, he played a significant role in Leverkusen’s recent goalless draw against Wolfsburg, accumulating 75 minutes of game time. The coach acknowledged that the January transfer window presented a period of uncertainty, with Boniface open to the possibility of a move. However, Alonso emphasized that Boniface is content at Leverkusen and does not foresee the failed transfer negatively impacting his focus or commitment. He expects Boniface to readily accept the situation and channel his energy into competing for a starting position, particularly in the face of competition from the in-form Patrik Schick.
Boniface’s injury, sustained in November, had disrupted a promising start to the season, during which he notched six goals and one assist in ten Bundesliga appearances. The injury forced him to miss fourteen games, a setback that undoubtedly hampered his momentum. However, upon his return, Boniface quickly rediscovered his scoring touch, finding the net against Hoffenheim and then netting the crucial winner against Koln in a cup tie. These contributions underscored his importance to the team and reaffirmed his ability to make an impact despite the disruption caused by the injury.
Prior to his move to Leverkusen in 2023, Boniface had plied his trade at Union Saint-Gilloise, where his performances undoubtedly caught the attention of the German club. Leverkusen secured his services for a reported fee of €20 million, a testament to their faith in his abilities. Boniface’s arrival was met with immediate success, as he played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and German Cup double-winning campaign. His contributions during that season, including 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances, cemented his status as a key player for the club.
Following the successful season, Leverkusen further solidified their commitment to Boniface by extending his contract until 2029. This contract extension, which made him one of the club’s highest earners, reflected his value and importance to the team. It also provided a clear indication of Leverkusen’s desire to retain his services despite the interest from Al Nassr. The long-term contract not only secures Boniface’s future at the club but also provides stability and allows him to focus on his footballing aspirations.
In the wake of the transfer saga and his return from injury, Victor Boniface finds himself at a pivotal point in his Leverkusen career. With the support of his coach and a long-term contract secured, he has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a key player and contribute to the team’s success. The competition for a starting role, particularly with Patrik Schick’s impressive form, will undoubtedly be fierce. However, Boniface’s talent, determination, and recent performances suggest that he is ready to embrace the challenge and fight for his place in Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup.
