Victor Boniface’s time at Bayer Leverkusen appears to be nearing its end, with the German champions reportedly open to selling the Nigerian striker this summer. After a breakout 2023/24 campaign that saw him instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic domestic double, Boniface has struggled for consistency this season, leading to growing speculation about his next career move. Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United have emerged as leading contenders for his signature, with Leverkusen now slashing their asking price to €50 million (£43 million) to facilitate a transfer.
Decline in Leverkusen Fortunes
Boniface’s fall from grace at Leverkusen has been stark. The 24-year-old began the 2024/25 season as Xabi Alonso’s first-choice striker but lost his starting role to Patrik Schick after an injury setback. Since returning, he has managed just two goals in 2025, with his last Bundesliga start dating back to February 8.
Disciplinary concerns have further strained his relationship with the club, including a heated on-field clash with teammate Emiliano Buendia during a 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Leverkusen’s hierarchy views Boniface’s departure as inevitable, particularly after a failed January move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr collapsed in favor of Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. With Schick firmly established as the starting forward, the club aims to offload one major player annually to balance the squad—a strategy that now positions Boniface as the likely candidate.
Premier League Suitors Circle
Chelsea and Manchester United lead the race for Boniface, with both clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
The Blues have prioritised Boniface as a solution to their persistent goal-scoring woes. Despite signing young forwards like Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, Chelsea’s attack has lacked clinical finishing, with Christopher Nkunku also struggling for form. Boniface’s physicality (6’2”) and proven Bundesliga pedigree—21 goals and 10 assists in his debut 2023/24 season—align with their need for a reliable target man. Reports suggest Chelsea are prepared to “do whatever it takes” to secure his services, though competition remains fierce.
United, meanwhile, see Boniface as a potential complement to Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Despite investing in youth, the Red Devils crave a striker capable of immediate impact. Boniface’s ability to link play and score in high-pressure scenarios—evidenced by his four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards in 2023/24—makes him an attractive option.
Newcastle United and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, though their involvement may hinge on Alexander Isak’s future and other transfer priorities, respectively.
Leverkusen’s Legacy and Transfer Dynamics
Boniface leaves Leverkusen with a legacy as a key architect of their 2023/24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. His 14 league goals and five Europa League strikes last season cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s rising forwards. However, this season’s downturn—10 goals across 24 appearances and minimal playing time—has hastened his exit.
At €50 million, Boniface represents a relative bargain compared to his €70 million valuation in January. For Chelsea and United, the fee is manageable, though negotiations could hinge on performance-based add-ons. Leverkusen’s willingness to sell aligns with their model of developing and profitably trading talent, as seen with previous departures like Moussa Diaby.
