New Bayer Leverkusen’s newly appointed head coach, Erik Ten Hag, has made a definitive choice regarding forward Victor Boniface’s future with the team, expressing confidence in the young striker despite previous doubts.
Boniface, who transferred to Leverkusen from Royale Union SG in 2023, has displayed remarkable performance since his arrival. In the last season, he scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. In the recently finished campaign, he added 11 goals and two assists in 27 games, even though he faced challenges with injuries that restricted his playing time.
Under the former manager Xabi Alonso, Boniface was frequently benched in favor of Patrik Schick, who assumed the primary striker position. Speculation grew regarding a possible summer departure as Leverkusen aimed to revamp their squad following the loss of key players. However, as reported by Bundesliga Insider, Ten Hag plans to retain Boniface and test a two-striker formation, pairing him with Schick during the pre-season.
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This strategic approach seeks to leverage Boniface’s ability to drop deeper and facilitate play, which would complement Schick’s goal-scoring instincts within the penalty area. If this partnership proves effective, it could serve as the foundation of Leverkusen’s offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Despite speculation about a transfer to the Saudi Pro League, including a failed January move to Al Nassr that would have raised his salary from €2 million to €15 million per year, Boniface seems to be settled.
He has three years left on his contract and remains dedicated to contributing to Leverkusen’s success. As he stated, “Transfer rumors are a common occurrence in football. It’s always flattering when major clubs express interest, but my current focus is entirely on Bayer Leverkusen.”
Recently, Boniface was spotted training at Marbella Football Centre, a venue favored by elite athletes, showcasing his commitment to staying in top shape ahead of the new season. As Ten Hag develops his squad, the Nigerian forward is poised to play a significant role in Bayer Leverkusen’s aspirations.
