Erik ten Hag Demotes Super Eagles Striker Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen, Reason Emerges
- Victor Boniface has been dropped to third-choice striker at Bayer Leverkusen by new coach Erik ten Hag
- Injuries have cost the Super Eagles striker his starting spot despite an impressive scoring record at the Bundesliga club
- Boniface could explore a move away from Bayer Leverkusen if he fails to secure consistent game time this season
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface is reportedly facing a tough period at Bayer Leverkusen after being dropped to a third-choice striker at the Bundesliga club.
New coach Erik ten Hag placed the Super Eagles striker behind Patrik Schick and summer signing Christian Michel Kofane in the club’s striker pecking order.
Source: Getty Images
The development has raised questions about Boniface’s future at the German club and whether he will remain patient or seek opportunities elsewhere.
Injury cost Boniface his spot
When Boniface joined Bayer Leverkusen from Royale Union SG two years ago, he wasted no time proving his worth.
Source: Getty Images
The 24-year-old striker scored 32 goals and added 13 assists in just 61 appearances, quickly becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most feared attackers.
Initially, he benefitted from Patrik Schick’s long-term injury, which allowed him to cement his place as the club’s main striker under then-coach Xabi Alonso.
Even when Schick returned to action, Alonso kept his faith in Boniface due to his consistent performances after winning four Rookie of the Month awards.
However, injuries eventually derailed Boniface’s progress as the Nigerian forward missed large chunks of last season and ultimately his starting place in the team.
Ten Hag demotes Boniface to third choice
The arrival of Erik ten Hag this summer has created fresh competition in Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, and Boniface has been the most affected, Soccernet reports.
Despite his proven record, Boniface has struggled to feature in pre-season matches under the former Manchester United coach and was left on the bench during the DFB Pokal clash against Grossaspach.
When Ten Hag opted to substitute Schick during the game, many expected Boniface to get the call.
Instead, the coach handed new Cameroonian signing Christian Michel Kofane his chance. Kofane seized the opportunity, scoring once and providing an assist in the 4-0 victory.
According to German outlet Bild, Ten Hag was impressed with the youngster’s display and now considers him ahead of Boniface in the striking options.
As it stands, Boniface is effectively the club’s third-choice striker.
Ten Hag has insisted that Boniface’s lack of game time is due to fitness concerns rather than a drop in form for the Super Eagles forward.
He suggested that the Nigerian international still has a chance to reclaim his spot once fully fit.
It's time for Boniface to leave
If Boniface cannot be guaranteed regular playing minutes this season, the 24-year-old forward may be forced to consider a move away from Bayer Leverkusen.
This sentiment is echoed by UK-based Nigerian journalist Samuel Omaenikun in a chat with Legit.ng, as he insists the Nigerian forward should seek opportunities elsewhere.
"Boniface has achieved much in the Bundesliga and with Bayer Leverkusen, and a new manager cannot downplay that.
"My candid advice to him will be to leave when the opportunity arises."
Al Nassr and West Ham are among the clubs linked with interest in Boniface as he faces an uncertain future in Germany.
AC Milan steps up interest in Boniface
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that AC Milan had stepped up their efforts to sign Boniface with a fresh ₦71 billion (€40 million) bid, reigniting interest that had initially cooled weeks earlier.
Boniface, currently on the books at Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as Milan’s top striker target ahead of the new season.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
