Bayer Leverkusen chief sends clear message to Victor Boniface amid January exit rumours

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has dismissed concerns over Victor Boniface’s future at the club, insisting the Nigerian striker can still fight his way back into contention despite his limited playing time and omission from the Europa League squad.

Boniface has reportedly communicated his desire to leave Leverkusen during the January transfer window, with his prospects of securing regular football increasingly uncertain following an injury-disrupted spell at Werder Bremen.

However, Rolfes remains confident that the 25-year-old can earn another opportunity if he maintains his fitness and continues working on his development.

“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,” he said, as quoted by Transfermarkt.

Europa League snub raises questions over Boniface’s future

Boniface has struggled to establish himself since returning to Leverkusen and has made just one appearance for the club this season.

The forward featured for only five minutes in their opening-day 3-2 Bundesliga defeat to newly promoted SV Elversberg, leaving him with limited opportunities to demonstrate his quality.

His situation became more complicated when Leverkusen finalised their Europa League squad without him.

Following Martin Terrier’s long-term injury, the German club opted to register Jonas Hofmann as his replacement rather than include Boniface, further casting doubt on the Nigerian’s immediate prospects.

The decision fuelled speculation about a possible January departure, with reports indicating that the striker’s representatives had communicated his desire to leave in search of a fresh opportunity.

Despite the uncertainty, Rolfes insists the decision to leave Boniface out of the European squad does not change the club’s position on the striker.

Rolfes sees improvement in Nigerian striker

Beyond the questions surrounding his playing time, Rolfes believes Boniface has made encouraging progress following a difficult period earlier in the year.

The Leverkusen sporting director pointed to improvements in the striker’s mental state, suggesting that he is now in a better position to work towards regaining his place in the team.

“Since then, he’s been in much better shape, mentally as well, and sees many more possibilities again.”

The comments offer a positive assessment of Boniface’s progress as he attempts to overcome the setbacks that have interrupted his momentum.

However, his route back into the team will depend on his ability to reach the physical standards required by the coaching staff and demonstrate that he can contribute consistently.

Fitness remains key to Boniface’s revival

Rolfes acknowledged that Boniface still has areas of his game that require improvement, particularly his pressing and defensive contributions when the team does not have possession.

The sporting director, however, stressed that those shortcomings should be considered alongside the qualities that made the Nigerian an important attacking option for Leverkusen.

“Regarding intensity: Pressing and working hard off the ball wasn’t his core strength when he was playing and scoring. He has other qualities,” he explained.

Rather than dismissing Boniface’s prospects, Rolfes suggested the priority is to improve his physical condition sufficiently to allow him to make the most of his attacking strengths.

“We want to get his fitness level as high as possible so that he can showcase his qualities, which he undoubtedly possesses, even better,” he concluded.

Boniface now faces a crucial period as he attempts to regain fitness and convince Leverkusen that he can still play a meaningful role in their campaign.

Although the reports of a potential January exit have raised questions about his long-term future, Rolfes’ comments indicate that the club has not closed the door on the striker.

Whether Boniface can turn that confidence into regular playing time remains to be seen, with his progress over the coming weeks likely to shape his options when the transfer window reopens.