Leverkusen keen to offload Boniface — Report
Bayer Leverkusen are looking to part ways with Nigeria international Victor Boniface this summer and have reduced their asking price to €50 million plus bonuses, according to Sport Bild.
The 24-year-old striker, who began the season as Leverkusen’s first-choice forward, has fallen down the pecking order following an injury setback that allowed Patrik Schick to cement his place in Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup.
Boniface has made just one start in 2025 and his frustration appears to be manifesting in disciplinary issues, with the most recent incident involving an on-field altercation with teammate Emiliano Buendia during Leverkusen’s 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
The German publication reports that such behaviour has not gone down well with the club hierarchy, who now view his departure as the best solution for all parties.
This isn’t the first time Boniface has been close to leaving the BayArena. In January, Leverkusen had reportedly agreed to a €70 million fee with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, but the deal collapsed when the Middle Eastern side opted to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead.
Since that failed move, Boniface’s form has deteriorated significantly. After briefly showing promise with two goals following his return from injury, the Nigerian has struggled to make an impact when called upon from the bench.
His last goal came in Leverkusen’s 3-2 DFB-Pokal quarter-final win over Köln on February 5, and he has played just 141 minutes across seven Bundesliga matches since his most recent start against Wolfsburg on February 8.
The situation worsened on Tuesday when Leverkusen crashed out of the Champions League following a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich (5-0 on aggregate). Introduced as a 65th-minute substitute, Boniface registered four blocked shots but failed to hit the target as his goal drought continued.
According to Sport Bild, Leverkusen do not want both Boniface and Schick on their books next season, and all signs point toward the Nigerian’s departure as part of the club’s strategy of selling one major player each summer.
Overall this season, the Akure-born forward has made 20 appearances, starting 13 times, scoring nine goals, and providing one assist while averaging 57 minutes per game.
As Leverkusen continue their pursuit of domestic cup glory, Boniface faces a crucial challenge to regain Alonso’s trust and potentially increase his market value before the summer transfer window opens.
