Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has identified Victor Boniface‘s weight as a key area of concern, saying the Nigerian striker must return to peak physical condition if he is to revive his prospects at the Bundesliga club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Boniface remains under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2028, but questions about his future have emerged following a difficult spell that included injury setbacks and a loan move away from the BayArena.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a remarkable start to life at Leverkusen after joining from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. He delivered 21 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances during his debut season, helping the club secure a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. However, injuries limited his impact in the following campaign, where he registered 11 goals and two assist in 27 matches.
Despite concerns surrounding Boniface’s recent struggles, Rolfes revealed that the striker’s knee has recovered well after surgery earlier this year.
”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.
Boniface underwent knee surgery after a frustrating period that also saw failed transfer attempts involving Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Serie A giants AC Milan. He later spent time on loan at Werder Bremen as he worked toward full recovery.
The Nigerian forward found opportunities limited during his stay at Bremen. He failed to score in 11 appearances before focusing on rehabilitation following surgery.
Although medical staff considered his knee healed by April, he did not make a competitive appearance before the loan agreement expired. Reports from Germany also raised concerns about his physical condition during that period.
Rolfes, however, remains appreciative of the impact Boniface previously made at Leverkusen.
”We write to each other every few days. We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the championship season. That’s when he embodied what we needed, this attacking mode,” he added.
With Leverkusen preparing for another demanding season after securing UEFA Europa League qualification, Boniface now faces the challenge of rebuilding his fitness and proving he can reclaim a place in the squad.
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