Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has warned Victor Boniface that he must work harder to regain his spot in the squad after being left out of Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen.
The Nigerian forward, who scored 21 goals in his debut campaign after joining from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, has seen his role diminish after Czech striker Patrik Schick reclaimed the starting position.
Boniface’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months. He came close to joining Serie A giants AC Milan on loan this month, but the move collapsed after he reportedly failed a medical.
Earlier in the year, a lucrative Saudi Pro League bid was accepted by Leverkusen in January, only for the deal to fall through before completion — forcing the striker to return to Germany.
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface during Bayer Leverkusen clash with AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. (Photo credit: Getty images)
Speaking after the draw in Bremen, Ten Hag underlined the challenge facing the 24-year-old:
“Last week he wasn’t there, and therefore he wasn’t in the squad. When he is there, then he can be part of the group. He trained with us the last two days, but now he has to fight for his place. When he is training every day, the whole week, then he can fight for his position.”
Former Manchester United gaffer is still searching for his first win as manager of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Schick, who netted twice against Bremen, has become Ten Hag’s preferred option up front. The Czech forward had also displaced Boniface under former coach Xabi Alonso last season.
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Boniface’s first year in Germany was remarkable. He fired Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, finishing as the club’s top scorer and being named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season.
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But with injuries limiting him last season and competition fierce, the Super Eagles striker now faces a battle to reclaim his place at the BayArena.
