Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface pens bumper deal amidst fitness struggles

Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Super Eagles striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has signed a new contract with the German Champions until the summer of 2029, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old joined Die Werkself from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023, and has been crucial in the club’s resurgence amongst the European elite.

In his debut season for Xabi Alonso’s side, he led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles, alongside the UEFA Europa League final, where they lost to Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta. Individually, the former Bodø/Glimt forward was the Bundesliga Rookie of the 2023/2024 season.

Boniface scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists for Leverkusen last season, and his spectacular output saw him linked with several top clubs. However, the striker has outrightly expressed his disinterest in playing in the English Premier League.

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Amidst Manchester United links, Leverkusen have done their part to secure the future of the Super Eagles striker at the Bay Arena.

According to Sky Germany, Victor Boniface’s contract has been extended for another year until 2029. The 1.9m-tall forward is set to become one of Leverkusen’s top earners.

According to the report, the Nigerian, who normally earns about three million euros annually, is set to see those numbers double after his request for a new deal last December was granted. His initial contract was to end in the summer of 2028, but he has extended for another year.

Boniface last participated in a football game last November, in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to the Republic of Nigeria. Since then, he’s been out with a thigh injury. Nonetheless, Xabi Alonso’s men have gone from strength to strength in his absence, winning eleven of their last thirteen games.

He’s now back in training with the rest of the Leverkusen team but hasn’t featured in their last two games as he’s yet to reach peak fitness levels.

Despite putting to pen paper, the reigning Bundesliga Champions are not averse to selling the Nigerian for the right fee. Leverkusen are willing to part ways with the former Royale Union Saint-Gilloise star if an offer of around €50 million (£42m/$52m) is made.