By Olaitan Ibrahim
Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface wants to remain at the club despite the club’s willingness to sell him this summer, according to a report.
Dutch coach Erik ten Hag has just taken over the former German champions but it’s been speculated that Boniface is not in the plans of the former Manchester United coach.
According to German outlet BILD, Ten Hag wants to keep Boniface’s competitor upfront, Patrik Schick and the club want to avoid having both players in the squad.
“Boniface is still considered a sales candidate number one, and is expected to provide around €50m revenue,” BILD stated in a report.
They added that Leverkusen have already found a replacement for the Nigerian in 18-year-old Christian Kofane who is expected to cost them €5m from Albacete.
Amid the speculations, Boniface’s agent, Aneke Atta, has said the player is not considering a switch.
“Victor has ended the season after his trip to the national team. He is now on holiday, will also train hard on holiday and then come back to prepare for the season. There is a new coach, and a new constellation, but still a very good team that plays in the Champions League again. Victor and I have never talked about a change,” Atta said.
“We have not spoken with any other association. At the moment there are no thoughts of leaving Leverkusen. Of course, you never know in football, but Victor loves playing for Leverkusen.”
After a successful debut season, winning a domestic double in 2023/24, Boniface endured an injury-plagued 2024/25, scoring 11 goals in 27 competitive matches. In contrast, Schick made 27 hits in 45 games.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in January but Al-Nassr pulled the plug on the €70m deal at the last minute.
He has also been linked with Newcastle United.