Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has admitted that Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface struggled to cope with pressure during preparations for the 2025/26 season.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward now faces a fight for his place at the German club after Rolfes suggested he lacked resilience when confronted with transfer speculation.
“Unfortunately, Boniface couldn’t handle the pressure at the beginning of preseason,” Rolfes told Kicker. “The possibility of a transfer was an issue because Boni wasn’t as resilient. He’s improved, but the question is, can we give him the opportunities to become really good again?”
Boniface must now compete with Patrik Schick and 19-year-old Christian Kofane for the lone striker role at Leverkusen, with his future at the club appearing uncertain.
His proposed move to AC Milan collapsed after the Serie A giants carried out four separate medical tests and raised concerns over his injury history. Milan had already agreed terms with Leverkusen—€5m loan fee plus a €24m option to buy—but ultimately pulled the plug.
Speaking in a live-streaming session, Boniface confirmed his past injuries were the decisive factor:
“The move didn’t work out because of my past injuries. I had a knee injury twice on my right leg, and it has been there for a long time.”
Signed from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €20.5m in 2023, Boniface has endured a frustrating spell in Germany, missing parts of the last two seasons with muscular issues. Earlier this year, he also saw a €60m move to Saudi side Al Nassr collapse.
Despite the setbacks, Boniface remains under contract with Leverkusen until 2027. Under new coach Erik ten Hag, he is back in training and determined to prove himself once again.
The Nigerian forward has previously revealed how his repeated injury battles, combined with the loss of his mother, nearly forced him to quit football entirely.
