Boniface was one of Leverkusen's standout players during their historic 2023/24 double-winning campaign, but injuries and inconsistent form disrupted his progress over the past season. The 25-year-old spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Werder Bremen, where he struggled to make the same impact.
The Nigerian forward underwent surgery in January to resolve a long-standing knee problem and has now returned to Leverkusen ahead of pre-season. Rolfes believes the operation has given the striker fresh motivation.
"The result of the surgery gave him encouragement," Rolfes told Kicker.
"I have a good feeling that he is motivated to get back into shape."
Rolfes also revealed that Boniface requested a meeting before the final matchday of the Bundesliga season to discuss his future. That conversation left the Leverkusen chief encouraged by the striker's attitude and determination.
Boniface now faces an important pre-season under new head coach Carles Martinez, who will assess the squad ahead of the new campaign. With Leverkusen competing on multiple fronts again, the club hopes the powerful forward can regain the sharpness and confidence that made him one of the Bundesliga's most exciting attackers two seasons ago.
"It's about him helping himself, and us helping him to get back into good shape. Then we'll see," Rolfes added.
Aston Villa are pushing to complete a deal for Joao Palhinha and have stepped up their efforts to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder, following his stint at Tottenham last season.
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of defender Facundo Medina from Olympique Marseille, the Argentina international penning a five-year-deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
Bayern Munich have completed the permanent signing of Senegal midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye from Gambinos Stars, with the 18-year-old signing a contract until June 2031.
Sead Kolasinac experienced a nostalgic return to the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday, lining up for Atalanta against his former club Schalke 04 in a friendly.
