Bayer Leverkusen will be without Super Eagles's Victor Boniface for three months due to an injury and are looking to bring in a cover.
In-form club Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly found a perfect cover for injured striker Victor Boniface as they look to hold on to their position at the top of the Bundesliga.
Despite sitting pretty at the top of the table, seven points clear of defending champions Bayern Munich, cautious optimism permeates the air at BayArena after Leverkusen’s title charge suffered a setback.
23:10 - 22.01.2024
Ghana is going home: Oshoala, Boniface join as Nigerians react to Black Stars crashing out of AFCON 2023
See what Oshoala, Boniface and Nigerians are saying after the Black Stars of Ghana crash out of AFCON 2023.
09:06 - 11.01.2024
BBL done and dusted - Nigeria's Victor Boniface gives surgery update
Nigeria Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface successfully completed his surgery to fix his knee injury.
Boniface and Leverkusen
The Nigerian striker has become a fan favourite following his arrival at the Arena from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer.
Boniface, 23, has become Leverkusen’s contributor-in-chief, with the talented forward’s 10 goals and seven assists leading Werkself to the summit of the Bundesliga.
However, an unforeseen hurdle emerged with the multiple Rookie of the Month winner after he was ruled out of the AFCON 2023 for three months due to an injury.
Boniface has since undergone surgery to fix his knee which would see him miss most of the business end of the season for Nigeria and Leverkusen.
Leverkusen find cover
Following the unfortunate injury, Boniface’s Leverkusen are said to be exploring potential replacement as cover for their Nigerian superstar.
According to a Football Espana report, Xabi Alonso has identified Real Betis’ Borja Iglesias as a target.
Per the report, there are ongoing talks regarding a possible loan deal, with Real Betis open to incorporating a €10 million buyout option at the end of the season.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the report added that it seems Iglesias is ready for a change, with signs pointing to a disconnect with Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Despite an impressive record of 15 goals in La Liga this season, the 31-year-old has found himself relegated to a peripheral role.
He has only four starts and has failed to score in 11 overall appearances. Notably, his goal-scoring prowess has shone in other competitions, with successful strikes in both the Copa del Rey and Europa League, where Alonso’s Leverkusen are one of the favourites to win.
Boniface has already started his rehabilitation and journey to fitness in Germany while following the progress of the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the AFCON and Leverkusen's impressive campaign so far.
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