Manchester United is currently scouting for fresh attacking options, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface emerging as a prominent target, according to transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg. The 23-year-old Nigerian striker has made a remarkable impact in the Bundesliga this season, netting eight goals and providing one assist in just 11 starts. However, his progress has been temporarily stalled due to a muscle injury suffered while representing the Super Eagles on international duty, which is expected to keep him sidelined until January 2025. Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, had been benefiting from his impressive form, but the injury introduces a significant challenge for the team as they navigate through an important period of fixtures.
United’s interest in Boniface comes at a crucial time when their current attacking options, such as Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have not been meeting performance expectations. The club is exploring various strikers to strengthen their squad, with Boniface being one of the key candidates on their radar. However, acquiring him will likely require a substantial financial investment, and any potential transfer is anticipated to occur in the summer rather than in the January transfer window. His impressive performances have drawn attention, but the injury adds an element of uncertainty to his immediate availability and to United’s pursuit.
In addition to Boniface, Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon remains under consideration by United as they seek to bolster their attack. Gyökeres has been enjoying a prolific stretch during his time at Sporting, which further solidifies his standing as a strong candidate for the Premier League giants. Nonetheless, there are lingering concerns about whether he could maintain his current level of performance when transitioning to one of Europe’s top five leagues, particularly the Premier League, which may present a tougher challenge compared to Portugal’s Primeira Liga. This uncertainty potentially makes Boniface a more appealing long-term option for United, given his demonstrated success in a stronger league context.
Leverkusen’s plans have been disrupted by Boniface’s injury, as he has missed out on important matches including Champions League fixtures against RB Salzburg and Inter Milan, along with a DFB-Pokal matchup against Bayern Munich in December. The absence of other forward options, such as Amine Adli, places an increased burden on striker Patrik Schick, who is expected to step up during this period. The challenges faced by Leverkusen underline the impact that Boniface’s injury has on the team, indicating just how integral he has become in a relatively short span.
Despite facing criticism for his international performances where he has yet to score in 11 caps for the Super Eagles, Boniface’s strong club form has kept him in high demand among European teams. His current situation highlights the dichotomy between club success and international challenges—a complex narrative many players navigate throughout their careers. As he works towards recovery, interest from Manchester United and other clubs will only intensify as they look for a young and prolific forward to inject fresh energy into their attacking play.
In summary, Boniface’s trajectory and Manchester United’s interest illustrate the dynamic nature of player transfers and the careful consideration that clubs must undertake when assessing talent, especially amid injury setbacks. While Boniface has proven himself at Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, the situation demands patience and strategic foresight from both the player and interested clubs like United. As Boniface focuses on rehabilitation, the central questions remain: Can he return to form in time to impact Leverkusen’s season? And will he be the forward United seeks to reinvigorate their attacking options in the future?
