Nigerian striker Victor Boniface facing uncertain future under Ten Hag at Leverkusen

Victor Boniface’s position at Bayer Leverkusen is under serious threat following the arrival of Erik ten Hag as head coach, with the Nigerian striker reportedly no longer in the Dutchman’s plans for the starting eleven.

According to German outlet BILD, Ten Hag has already made a decisive call regarding the club’s attacking setup.

With both Boniface and Czech international Patrik Schick vying for the central striker role, the new manager has made it clear that Schick is his preferred choice moving forward.

This development places Boniface in a precarious position as he considers his next move.

Despite a promising spell in front of goal, the 23-year-old may now be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere if he hopes to play regular first-team football.

“A player could therefore leave, and Ten Hag has chosen Schick as his striker,” BILD reported, suggesting that Boniface may need to explore a transfer if he is to avoid a diminished role at the Bundesliga club.

Boniface joined Leverkusen with high expectations and has demonstrated his scoring ability during his time with the team.

However, the arrival of a new manager often signals tactical shifts and altered priorities, and the current indication is that Ten Hag views Schick as the more suitable option for his system.

This decision is likely to be a tough blow for Boniface, who has worked hard to establish himself as a key player.

With both strikers being proven goal threats, balancing their game time was always going to be a challenge.

But rather than rotating the two, Ten Hag appears to have opted for a more defined hierarchy—leaving Boniface potentially on the outside looking in.

The situation remains fluid, but should Leverkusen not offer assurances of a prominent role, the Nigerian forward may consider a departure in the current transfer window.

Interest from other clubs could soon emerge, particularly given his age, potential, and previous form in Germany.

As Ten Hag begins to shape the squad to suit his footballing philosophy, Boniface’s next step will be crucial—not just for his immediate playing time, but for the trajectory of a career that had appeared on the rise before this managerial change.