Victor Boniface could be heading for the Bayer Leverkusen exit after new head coach Erik ten Hag made his first big call at the Bundesliga champions.
The Nigerian forward has found himself behind Czech striker Patrik Schick in the pecking order ahead of the new season, with Ten Hag opting to stick with Schick as his main man up front.
It marks a shift in Leverkusen’s attacking structure. Boniface led the line for much of their title-winning 2023/24 campaign but was sidelined by injury and eventually overtaken by Schick, who netted 21 Bundesliga goals.
Bild reports that Ten Hag, working alongside sporting director Simon Rolfes, has informed Schick’s representatives that he will remain at the club despite previous frustrations under former boss Xabi Alonso. The decision signals a clear direction: Leverkusen will move forward with Schick, not Boniface.
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Boniface, 24, was already the subject of a major move in January, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr reportedly offering up to €70 million for his services. That move fell through, but interest has continued to build.
Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, are now monitoring the Super Eagles forward. Leverkusen are believed to value him at around €50 million. His contract runs until 2028, but the club appears open to a sale following Ten Hag’s verdict.
Boniface scored 14 goals in all competitions in the 2023/24 despite injury setbacks, helping Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic season. His 2024/25 season was further hampered by injury, playing only 19 times in the league and finding the back of the net eight times.
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