Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is reportedly locked in transfer talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, sparking speculation about his potential departure.
The Super Eagles forward, who joined Die Werkself from Belgian club Union SG for €22 million in 2023, has been a key player for the team, making significant contributions since his arrival but could soon be on his way out.
Here are five key reasons why the club may be prepared to let Boniface leave.
Leverkusen need to recoup financially
Boniface has been a stellar addition to Bayer Leverkusen, tallying 29 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances since his arrival.
However, the club may be forced to cash in on the Nigerian star to meet their financial objectives. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro revealed in April 2024 that “a big sale [is necessary] every year in order to afford new signings,” though such a sale did not materialise last summer.
With Boniface reportedly valued at over €50 million, the striker’s sale would significantly bolster Leverkusen’s transfer budget.
The remarkable form of Schick
Boniface’s absence through injury has allowed Czech forward Patrik Schick to reclaim the spotlight.
Schick has been in sensational form, scoring 13 goals in his last nine Bundesliga appearances.
While Boniface himself boasts an impressive eight goals in 15 games this season, the emergence of Schick as Leverkusen’s leading striker has raised questions about Boniface’s long-term role in the squad.
Boniface is increasingly injury-prone
Injuries have plagued Boniface throughout his career, and his time at Leverkusen has been no exception.
The 24-year-old missed much of 2024’s first quarter with an adductor injury and was sidelined again in November with a muscle issue sustained during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Since joining the club, he has missed 35 games due to injury. His previous spells on the sidelines include a cruciate ligament tear during his time at FK Bodo/Glimt, which kept him out for nearly a year.
These recurring setbacks have raised concerns about his reliability moving forward.
He has requested to leave
Though there are no confirmed reports, speculation suggests that Boniface may be seeking a move away from Leverkusen.
The lack of regular playing time due to injuries and competition from Schick could be contributing factors, as well as a typically lucrative pay package on offer in the Middle East.
Additionally, the growing interest from clubs abroad, including Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, may tempt Boniface to explore a new challenge in his career.
His time in Leverkusen has been dogged by controversy
Boniface’s time at Leverkusen has not been without its share of off-field incidents. In August 2024, he was fined €25,000 and suspended for a DFB-Pokal match after unsporting behaviour during Leverkusen’s Super Cup victory over Stuttgart.
A month later, his unconventional goal celebration—pulling his shorts down—made headlines, with Boniface later explaining it was inspired by a TikTok trend in Nigeria.
In October 2024, he was involved in a car crash after Leverkusen’s win against Eintracht Frankfurt. While he escaped with minor injuries, these controversies have somewhat tarnished his image at the club.
As Bayer Leverkusen weigh their options, Boniface’s future hangs in the balance. While his scoring prowess is undeniable, the financial incentive, competition within the squad, and lingering concerns about his fitness and off-field behaviour may ultimately tip the scales in favour of a transfer.
Should Al Nassr’s interest materialise into a concrete offer, the Nigerian striker could soon bid farewell to Die Werkself.
