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Victor Boniface’s future at Bayer Leverkusen is under serious threat after new head coach Erik ten Hag reportedly made a bold and unexpected decision to prioritise Patrik Schick as his main striker, footynaija.com reports.
According to Sport Bild, the former Manchester United boss, alongside sporting director Simon Rolfes, has drawn up a new striker hierarchy — and Boniface, once a key figure under Xabi Alonso, has been placed behind Schick.
Despite Boniface’s role in Leverkusen’s 2023-24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign, he is now reportedly free to leave, with Newcastle United among the clubs interested. A transfer fee in the region of €50 million is being discussed.
Boniface endured a stop-start season due to injuries and disciplinary concerns, but still scored 11 goals, helping Leverkusen finish second behind Bayern Munich.
Under Alonso, the 24-year-old Nigerian was considered indispensable when fit. But Ten Hag’s arrival appears to have reset the striker pecking order, with Schick now seen as the go-to forward after netting 21 Bundesliga goals last season.
Boniface, currently in Moscow with Nigeria’s Super Eagles for a friendly against Russia, is likely to lead the line in attack. Yet his international form is yet to match his club exploits — he remains goalless in 12 appearances for Nigeria, though he is widely seen as one of the nation’s most technically gifted strikers.
If Boniface departs, 18-year-old Christian Kofane from Albacete is expected to arrive as a €5m replacement.
