Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes has expressed confidence that Victor Boniface can rediscover his best form ahead of the new season, insisting the Bundesliga club is committed to helping the Nigerian striker return to peak condition, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Boniface enjoyed a sensational debut season after joining Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023. The Nigerian striker scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances, helping Xabi Alonso’s side secure their first Bundesliga title without suffering a defeat.
He also claimed four Rookie of the Month awards during the remarkable campaign.
However, injuries disrupted his progress in the following season as he struggled to maintain the standards he had set. Boniface managed 11 goals and one assist in 27 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, while concerns over his recurring knee problems began to surface.
His difficulties were compounded by two failed transfer moves, first to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and later to AC Milan, with medical concerns reportedly playing a role in both deals falling through.
The striker’s fortunes worsened after a surprise loan move to Werder Bremen, where injuries and fitness issues severely affected his performances. Boniface failed to score in 11 appearances for the club as he battled knee problems and struggled with his conditioning.
He is set to return to his parent club ahead of next season, and they are poised to help him get back to his best.
“The knee looks pretty good today. But the weight is a bit of his weak spot. It’s our goal to get him back in top form. Then he has a chance to play for many teams,” Rolfes said in an interview with Sport Bild as reported by Rheinpfalz.
“We text every few days. We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the season we won the league. That’s when he embodied what we needed, this attack mode,” Rolfes added.
With his contract at the BayArena running until 2028, Boniface now faces a crucial pre-season as he looks to convince Leverkusen’s coaching staff that he can once again become a key figure for the club. The German side finished sixth in the Bundesliga during his absence and will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season.
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