Boniface Shuns Transfer Buzz, Gears Up For Third Season With Leverkusen

Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has dismissed growing speculation about his club and international future by affirming his commitment to the reigning German Bundesliga champions.

In an interview with German publication Sport Bild, Boniface addressed rumors concerning his playing time and transfer interest from other European clubs, stating clearly that he intends to remain with his current team.

Recent reports had linked the Super Eagles striker with a potential move to Italian giants AC Milan. The buzz intensified after Italian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri revealed that preliminary talks had occurred between Milan and Boniface’s representatives.

However, he  has now put an end to the swirling speculation, pledging his loyalty to the Bundesliga side and putting focus back on the pitch.

The 24-year-old, who was once the subject of a €60 million bid from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr back in January, has seen his market value drop to between €30–40 million making a potential move more feasible, according to Gazzetta. Despite this, Boniface has opted to remain at Leverkusen.

He returned to training last week ahead of the 2025/26 campaign under new manager Erik Ten Hag, who takes over following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Boniface initially joined Leverkusen in the summer of 2023 from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported fee of €20.5 million. He has three years remaining on his contract.

 “Nigerian striker has opened the door to a permanent move to the Rossoneri as talks with Boniface’s side have already taken place,” Tavolieri wrote on X.

“Absolutely,” Boniface responded when asked if he wished to remain in Leverkusen.

“My future is here. From my perspective, it’s 100 per cent clear that I’m staying. I still have three years left on my contract. I want to win titles with Bayer and have a great season.

“Even when things weren’t going so well for me last season, I spoke to sporting director Simon Rolfes and told him that I love it here. The January transfer to Al-Nassr didn’t work out. It is what it is. I’m here.”

Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported €20.5m fee in the summer of 2023 and has three years left on his current deal.

His agent, Aneke Atta, had said that the player prefers the atmosphere at Leverkusen as well.

“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,” Aneke said in June.

“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.”