Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface is seeking to leave Bayer Leverkusen during the January transfer window after struggling for playing time in the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
The 25-year-old has made only two league appearances this season, featuring for five minutes in Leverkusen’s 3-2 opening-day defeat to newly promoted SV Elversberg in August. His total playing time across all competitions stands at just 12 minutes.
His limited involvement was further highlighted by his exclusion from Leverkusen’s Europa League squad. When Martin Terrier suffered a long-term muscular injury, the club chose to register midfielder Jonas Hofmann as his replacement rather than Boniface.
Sky Germany reports that Boniface has informed his representatives of his desire to leave in January, either on loan or through a permanent transfer. However, no advanced negotiations have begun.
A difficult 12 months for Boniface
Boniface’s current situation contrasts sharply with his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign, when he scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 34 matches to help Leverkusen secure their historic Bundesliga title.
Overall, he has recorded 32 goals and 12 assists in 61 appearances for the German club.
His progress was disrupted by injuries last season. He joined Werder Bremen on loan after a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed following a medical examination.
At Bremen, he managed 11 appearances, recording no goals and two assists. He also failed to make a starting appearance until November.
A persistent knee problem led to specialist consultations in Innsbruck in January 2026 and effectively brought his loan spell to an end. Bremen subsequently decided that he would not feature again.
Boniface returned to Leverkusen in July 2026 but has since fallen behind Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane in the attacking pecking order under coach Carles Martinez.
Leverkusen’s position
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes dismissed speculation about the striker’s departure on October 24.
“That doesn’t change Boni’s situation. He needs to stay fit, keep at it, and improve, then his opportunity will come. I’m not worried. Since then, he’s been in much better shape, mentally as well, and sees many more possibilities again.”
Rolfes also said Boniface needed to improve his pressing and fitness levels. The club is reportedly open to a loan arrangement to help the striker regain match sharpness, with his contract running until June 2029.
With the January transfer window approaching and his place in the Super Eagles squad potentially under threat, Boniface faces an important period as he seeks to revive his career.