Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has provided an update on Victor Boniface’s condition ahead of the 2026/27 season, outlining what the Nigerian striker must improve to force his way back into the club’s starting lineup, http://sportcabal.com.ng reports.
Boniface enjoyed a sensational debut campaign after joining Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023.
The Super Eagles forward quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous attackers, winning four Rookie of the Month awards and playing a key role as Xabi Alonso’s side secured a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title.
During that remarkable season, Boniface registered 21 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
However, his fortunes changed in the following campaign as recurring injury problems disrupted his progress. The Nigerian managed 11 goals and one assist in 27 matches during the 2024/25 season, a significant drop from his debut-year numbers.
His injury concerns also affected potential moves away from Leverkusen, with transfers to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Serie A giants AC Milan both failing to materialise after concerns emerged over his knee condition.
Boniface’s struggles continued during a difficult loan spell at Werder Bremen. Persistent knee issues, coupled with fitness concerns, limited his impact and saw him endure one of the toughest periods of his professional career.
The 25-year-old failed to score in 11 appearances for Bremen before undergoing surgery in December. Although he returned to training four months later and was named in matchday squads towards the end of the campaign, he was unable to make a competitive appearance before his loan spell expired.
With preparations for the new season now underway, Rolfes has revealed that Boniface’s knee has recovered well but stressed that the striker must improve his physical condition if he hopes to regain his best form.
“The knee looks pretty good today. But the weight is a bit of his weak spot. It’s our goal to get him back in top form. Then he has a chance to play for many teams,” Rolfes said in an interview with Sport Bild, as quoted by Rheinpfalz.
The Leverkusen sporting director also highlighted the club’s continued support for the Nigerian international, insisting his contributions during the club’s title-winning season have not been forgotten.
“We text every few days. We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the season we won the league. That’s when he embodied what we needed, this attack mode,” Rolfes concluded.
Boniface will now be hoping to put his injury setbacks behind him and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards as Bayer Leverkusen prepare for another demanding campaign.
