6 hours Ago By Ayo Yusuf
With 31 goal contributions in 34 matches, Premier League giants, Chelsea and Manchester United are looking at the direction of Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen’s striker, Victor Boniface, as the solution to their dismal goal turn-in so far this season. However, if reports emanating from Germany is anything to go by, the German Bundesliga Team of the Season may have decided to stay put with Coach Xabi Alonso rather than a move to England According to reports, Victor Boniface hasdecided on his immediate future, which could be a big blow on Manchester United’s hopes. The Nigerian striker is keen to continue with Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the next window, and he might decide to stay at the club regardless of which clubs are showing interest.
Finding the back of the net has proven to be a big problem for United this season, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund failing to impress. Neither star has managed to make the number nine position their own and it’s unsurprising that both were overlooked by Ruben Amorim for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Amorim elected to deploy Marcus Rashford upfront.
It remains abundantly clear that United may need to address this position once again, either in January or during the summer transfer window. The Red Devils continue to be linked to a host of talismans, including Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray). According to Sky Germany reporter, Florian Plettenber, Victor Boniface is another forward United are eyeing.
Boniface has scored six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances this season. Last term, he notched 14 goals and nine assists in 23 top-flight appearances as Leverkusen cruised to a historic unbeaten title win under Xabi Alonso. Boniface’s 31 goals in 34 games in all competitions were important for Leverkusen, and his presence in front of the goal has attracted big interest from top teams.
Chelsea is scouting him extensively, and their scouts have urged them to make a move in 2025. Manchester United are also considering a move, as the club is eager to bring in a new striker. The arrival of a new manager, Ruben Amorim will see the Red Devils make renewed plans on new transfers that involve a new punchy centre-forward, much like the one he had at Sporting Lisbon in Viktor Gyokeres.
Manchester United are indeed interested in Gyokeres, although they understand the difficulties of signing the striker ahead of future windows. Thus, they are considering Christopher Nkunku and even Boniface as potential alternatives to the Swede, although they could be dealt a blow in the chase for the Nigerian. Boniface is not bothered by the interest coming in from other clubs ahead of the January window and will reject all overtures in the coming period.
The 23-year-old attacker is focused on his task at Leverkusen and wants to continue under Alonso. At the moment, Boniface is dealing with an injury which he sustained on international duty with Nigeria. Alonso recently admitted that the 23-year-old may not feature again until next year.
Plettenberg wrote on X, ”Victor Boniface is one of many strikers on Manchester United’s shortlist. If at all, an (expensive) sale would only become a serious topic next summer.” “23-year-old top striker (currently injured) is under contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen until 2028.
” “The Red Devils are actively scouting the striker market.” “If no new striker arrives in the winter, they plan to secure one by the summer at the latest.” The 23-year-old centre forward has caught the attention of the Old Trafford board with his standout performances this season, despite currently being sidelined with a thigh injury.
Boniface played a key role in Leverkusen’s success last season, netting 21 goals and providing 10 assists as they secured both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal. His strong form carried into this season, with eight goals and one assist across all competitions before his injury setback. Plettenberg confirmed Manchester United’s interest via a post on his X account, stating: “Victor Boniface is one of many strikers on Manchester United’s shortlist.
Any potential move would only become a serious consideration next summer due to his current injury status. He is under contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen until 2028. The Red Devils are actively scouting the striker market, aiming to secure a new forward by the summer if no winter signing is made.
” Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United aims to enhance their attacking options. Although a January transfer may be unlikely due to Boniface’s injury. The Nigerian forward is expected to be a prime target in the summer transfer window.
As the Premier League giants continue to monitor the transfer market, Boniface’s name has emerged as a potential solution to their attacking woes. Next summer, when things could change for the club, Alonso, and himself could reevaluate his stance before taking a call on his future. Thus, Manchester United will be dealt a blow ahead of January if they are to pursue Boniface’s signature.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles star, Sylvanus Okpala has advised Victor Boniface to improve in front of goal for the national team. Boniface played for the Super Eagles during the recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. However, he failed to impress in both games, which has led to criticism from fans, who have asked for the player to be dropped.
The striker has found it difficult to replicate his Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Bundesliga form for the Super Eagles. “He needs to be talked to, given a lot of confidence, and reminded that, as a centre forward, his primary role is to score. If he can’t score, then he should start providing assists.
“He shouldn’t be too anxious to score in every game. Yes, scoring is crucial, but he needs to stay calm. When you count one, you can get to two.
“Once he starts scoring, the confidence will return. It’s normal. Bayer Leverkusen is different from the national team.
” The Nigerian forward has only once scored in 11 games for the three-time AFCON champions. Meanwhile, Boniface has been ruled out of the year for club and country due to a thigh injury he sustained during the international break and will be looking to recover in time as Leverkusen continue their quest to retain their Bundesliga title..
