Nigeria striker Victor Boniface joins Werder Bremen on season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen

The 24-year-old forward, who joined Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, has made a significant impact in his time at the German club, scoring 32 goals and providing 12 assists in 61 competitive appearances. Boniface played a key role in Leverkusen's successful 2023-24 campaign, contributing 14 league goals and nine assists as the team secured an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB Cup double, followed by the 2024 Supercup victory.

Despite this success, Boniface found himself behind striker Patrik Schick in the pecking order last season, making just 16 starts. Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes explained the decision: "We currently have three strikers for one position in Patrik Schick, Christian Kofane, and Victor Boniface. That's why it was in Victor's and our interest to find a good solution here."

Boniface's loan to Werder Bremen represents an opportunity for the striker to reignite his career and prove his class at the top level. Bremen coach Horst Steffen expressed optimism about the signing, stating, "Victor is physically very strong, is a very good finisher, is quick. He excelled as a goalscorer and playmaker during Bayer's championship season. I am sure that he can be a very important factor for our team this term."

This move comes after several other departures from Leverkusen, including key players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and the sacking of coach Xabi Alonso, who was in charge for just three games. Boniface himself was the subject of significant transfer interest earlier in the year, including a reported 70 million euros offer from Saudi club Al Nassr in January that ultimately fell through, and a collapsed transfer to AC Milan in August due to a failed medical.

For Werder Bremen, Boniface's arrival is a much-needed boost as they search for their first win of the new Bundesliga season. The club has endured a difficult start, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, an early exit from the DFB Cup at the hands of Bundesliga 2 side Arminia Bielefeld, and only managing a 3-3 draw against Leverkusen. Bremen had also recently sold talisman Marvin Ducksch to Birmingham City.

Boniface is expected to make his debut for Bremen when they return to action against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 14 September.