Victor Boniface has returned to Bayer Leverkusen ahead of pre-season, becoming the first player to report for training as the club prepares for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Super Eagles striker arrived back in Germany after spending his off-season in Nigeria on holiday, returning to his parent club following the conclusion of a difficult loan spell at Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen celebrated his early arrival with a playful post on their official X account. “No time to waste! Na Victor carry first report for training. Welcome back, Boniface,” the club wrote on Thursday, sharing images of the Nigerian training at the club’s facilities.
A Turbulent Season Behind Him
Last season was one of the most difficult periods of Boniface’s career. A big-money move to Al-Nassr collapsed after the Saudi club opted to sign John Duran instead. A potential loan to AC Milan also fell through after the Italian giants were uncomfortable with the results of his knee medical examination, despite a loan agreement with a €30 million purchase option having already been reached.
He was subsequently loaned to Werder Bremen, but the move did not go as planned. Boniface made 11 Bundesliga appearances without scoring, contributing just two assists across 325 minutes before persistent knee problems ended his season prematurely. He underwent surgery in December, effectively bringing a frustrating campaign to a close.
After completing his rehabilitation, he returned to the Bremen bench in April but did not feature in any of the club’s remaining matches before the season ended.
Physical Condition Remains Key
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has offered an honest assessment, insisting the striker’s knee is no longer the primary concern. Instead, Rolfes pointed to Boniface’s physical shape as the biggest challenge standing between him and a regular return to football.
“The knee problems are no longer on my mind when I’m on the pitch. That’s a very good feeling,” Boniface told BILD. “I’m working on getting back into very good form step by step.”
Boniface is reportedly planning a personal training camp in Marbella before the new campaign begins, working closely with Leverkusen’s medical team on rehabilitation, strength work, running drills, and ball exercises designed to improve his fitness and knee stability.
Fresh Start Under New Coach
Boniface will look to impress under new Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez Novell, whose appointment officially took effect on July 1. Martínez arrives at the BayArena after managing Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1 and previously spent four years at Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
After undergoing routine fitness and medical assessments, Boniface will join his teammates for the club’s pre-season training camp in Blankenhain, near Erfurt, from August 1 to 7. Leverkusen will open their 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign on August 29 with an away fixture against newly promoted SV Elversberg.
Reminder of What He Can Be
Before the injuries derailed his progress, Boniface was one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting forwards. Across his time at Leverkusen, he registered 32 goals and 10 assists in 61 appearances, helping the club win the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal, and German Super Cup. His performances during that historic unbeaten Bundesliga season earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award and a place in the Team of the Season.
Leverkusen are open to suitable offers for Boniface this summer as they continue reshaping their squad, but his early return to pre-season sends a clear message. At 25, the Nigerian still has time on his side, and the desire to reclaim his best form is evident.
