Victor Boniface’s future at Bayer Leverkusen has come under fresh scrutiny amid reports that the Nigerian striker wants to leave the German club when the January transfer window opens.
However, managing director Simon Rolfes has played down concerns over the 25-year-old’s situation, insisting that his immediate priority should be improving his fitness and continuing to work towards earning more playing time.
According to Sky Sports, Boniface has expressed a desire to leave Leverkusen in January after struggling to secure regular opportunities this season.
Rolfes, however, remains confident that the forward can still make an impact if he addresses the areas the club wants him to improve.
“That doesn’t change Boni’s situation. He needs to stay fit, keep at it and improve, then his opportunity will arise. I’m not worried,” Rolfes was quoted as saying by Transfermarkt.
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding Boniface’s future, the Leverkusen chief suggested that the striker’s outlook has improved in recent weeks.
“He has been in a much better mood, also mentally, and sees many more perspectives again,” Rolfes said.
His comments suggest the club has not given up on the Nigerian forward, even as questions persist over his role in the squad and the possibility of a January departure.
Boniface spent last season on loan at fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen before returning to Leverkusen, where competition for places and fitness concerns have complicated his efforts to establish himself.
Fitness remains a key concern
Rolfes also identified the defensive demands of modern football as an area where Boniface must improve, while acknowledging that the striker possesses attacking qualities the club wants to see more consistently.
“Starting and working against the ball was not his core competency when he played and scored. He has other qualities. We want to raise his fitness level as much as possible so that he can better demonstrate the qualities he undoubtedly possesses,” he added.
The comments underline Leverkusen’s emphasis on improving Boniface’s physical condition and contribution when his team does not have possession.
For a striker whose strengths lie in attack, reaching the required fitness level could prove important in his bid to secure more minutes.
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Boniface has recorded one assist in one Bundesliga appearance for Leverkusen this season, according to the report, as he continues to seek a more prominent role.
Whether the striker remains in Germany beyond January will depend on how his situation develops in the coming weeks and whether a departure becomes a realistic option.
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At the moment, Rolfes has made the club’s position clear that Boniface must stay fit, keep working and demonstrate the qualities that convinced Leverkusen of his ability.
The Nigerian forward’s next opportunity could really be important, with his performances and fitness likely to shape the conversation around his future as the January transfer window approaches.
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