Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed confidence that Victor Boniface can rediscover his best form ahead of the new season, insisting the Bundesliga club is committed to helping the Nigerian striker return to peak condition.
Boniface enjoyed a sensational debut campaign after joining Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023. The Nigerian scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances as Xabi Alonso's side clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title without losing a single league match.
He also collected four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards during an outstanding season.
However, injuries hampered his progress in the following campaign. The 24-year-old managed 11 goals and one assist in 27 appearances during the 2024/25 season, while recurring knee problems prevented him from reproducing the form that made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.
His struggles were compounded by two failed transfer moves, first to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and later to AC Milan, with medical concerns reportedly contributing to both deals collapsing.
Boniface's difficult spell continued during a surprise loan move to Werder Bremen, where injuries and fitness issues limited his impact. He failed to score in 11 appearances as knee problems and conditioning concerns persisted.
The striker is now set to return to Leverkusen for pre-season, with the club determined to help him regain full fitness and rediscover the form that inspired their historic league triumph.
"The knee looks pretty good today. But the weight is a bit of his weak spot. It's our goal to get him back in top form. Then he has a chance to play for many teams," Rolfes told Sport Bild, as quoted by Rheinpfalz.
"We text every few days. We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the season we won the league. That was when he embodied exactly what we needed that attacking mentality," he added.
With his contract at the BayArena running until 2028, Boniface faces a pivotal pre-season as he aims to re-establish himself as a key figure in Leverkusen's squad. The club finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season and will compete in the UEFA Europa League in the upcoming campaign.
