Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface could see his playing time further reduced in the second half of the season, as Werder Bremen prepares a January move for German international Niclas Füllkrug, Soccernet.ng reports.
This is as the Bundesliga side is looking to reinforce its frontline following a disappointing start to the campaign for their star summer arrival.
Boniface joined Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer window. He made the move after a purported transfer to AC Milan fell through controversially.
The striker, who celebrates his 25th birthday on December 23, was once a pivotal figure at Leverkusen.
However, recurring injury struggles eventually saw him lose his place in the starting lineup, leading the club to deem him surplus to requirements and put him in the market.
When Boniface arrived at Werder Bremen, expectations were high that Boniface would become a talismanic figure for the squad.
Unfortunately, the move has yet to yield the desired results. The former Royale Union SG star has struggled significantly in front of goal and remains scoreless since his arrival in Bremen.
In fact, his goal drought extends back to March, with his only contributions over 11 Bundesliga appearances at Werder Bremen being two assists.
For a mid-table side like Werder Bremen, this lack of productivity has led to growing impatience within the club's hierarchy.
Victor Boniface Set To Fall Further Down The Pecking Order
The path to the starting eleven is already challenging for Boniface. He has managed only two starts this season, with coach Horst Steffen often preferring Keke Topp and Marco Grüll in the attack.
His situation is now poised to become even more difficult, with Fussball Europa reporting that the club is pursuing a deal to sign Niclas Füllkrug back from West Ham United this January.
However, they will have to battle other clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, and AC Milan.
Füllkrug is a seasoned Bundesliga veteran and a familiar face at Werder Bremen, having grown through their youth ranks before eventually leaving for Borussia Dortmund in 2023.
If the 32-year-old returns to his boyhood club, Boniface’s role could be further peripheral, making it difficult for him to even secure a spot on the bench.
This potential competition may compound the Nigerian international's frustrations and could force him to have a conversation about his future before his loan deal ends.
It has been a tough year for Boniface. But he will be hoping that his situation will change soon.
