Bayer Leverkusen has decided: Schick will be the starting striker, offering more physical guarantees, better aerial play, and stronger locker room presence.
Victor Boniface during a match with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
It was love at first sight, but now things have cooled down. The relationship between Bayer Leverkusen and Victor Boniface is peaceful, yet not idyllic. Arriving in Germany in the summer of 2023, he was instrumental in their 2023-24 championship victory – Leverkusen`s first-ever title. However, a series of injuries and the emergence of Patrik Schick have dampened the enthusiasm surrounding him. The German club is currently in talks with AC Milan, who are looking to sign him to bolster their attack.
Reasons for a Potential Departure
Leverkusen has made its decision: Patrik Schick will be the starting striker for the upcoming season. This choice is based on the former Roma player`s superior aerial ability and greater physical reliability. While Boniface contributes to team play by dropping deep to create space for teammates, the team`s style under new coach Ten Hag is set to change. Despite limiting him last season, the Nigerian forward arrived at training camp in seemingly excellent physical shape. Yet, he hasn`t been as fit as the technical staff hoped, with continuous muscular problems holding him back. He`s played very little, even in friendly matches, and not a single minute in the official cup game.
Behavioral Issues and Strained Relations
Furthermore, Boniface has been involved in several unpleasant incidents in recent months. In March, during a 4-1 victory against Eintracht, he became angry with teammate Buendia for taking a shot that Boniface felt he was better positioned for. Boniface first gestured angrily at Buendia, then even pushed him. Neither teammates nor coach Xabi Alonso could calm him down. In January, he had decided to leave Leverkusen for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he stood to gain a significant financial windfall. However, the deal fell through at the last minute as the Saudi club wasn`t entirely convinced. From that point, the strong bond that blossomed during Boniface`s first season at Bayer slowly, but inexorably, cooled down until it completely extinguished.
