Leverkusen say Boniface must get fit before he gets his chance
- Simon Rolfes says Victor Boniface's transfer talk does not change his situation at Bayer Leverkusen.
- Sky Sports reported the Nigerian striker wants to leave when the January window opens.
- Rolfes says the striker needs to stay fit and improve to earn more playing time.
Bayer Leverkusen are not panicking about Victor Boniface. Managing director Simon Rolfes said the Nigeria striker's future at the German club depends on his fitness and form, not on the transfer talk now swirling around him.
Sky Sports reported that Boniface wants to leave when the transfer window opens in January. The Nigeria international has found regular starts hard to come by at Leverkusen this season.
Rolfes said the speculation does not change anything for the player. In his words, Boniface "needs to stay fit, keep at it and improve, then his opportunity will arise." He added: "I'm not worried."
The Leverkusen chief also said the striker's mood has lifted. According to Rolfes, Boniface is in a much better frame of mind and "sees many more perspectives again."
Why Leverkusen are focused on fitness
Rolfes was candid about where Boniface's game needs work. He said pressing and running without the ball were never the striker's strongest points, even when he was scoring regularly.
Leverkusen, he said, want to build up the forward's fitness so he can show the attacking qualities they believe he has. "We want to raise his fitness level as much as possible so that he can better demonstrate the qualities he undoubtedly possesses," Rolfes said.
Boniface has one assist from one league appearance for Leverkusen this season. He spent last season on loan at fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
For Nigerian fans, the question is whether the Super Eagles striker can win back a starting place in Germany or push for a move in January. Either way, regular minutes matter ahead of the national team's next assignments.
A January exit would mean a new club and a fresh start mid-season. Staying would mean fighting for his place at Leverkusen.
What happens next
The January window opens in a little over two months. Until then, Boniface's best answer is on the training ground and in the minutes he gets. Leverkusen say they are working on his fitness, and Rolfes has made clear the door is not closed.
