Victor Boniface: Bayer Leverkusen identify 15-goal striker to cover injured Super Eagles star

Victor Boniface was stunned by AJ's demolition job in Saudi. (Photo Credit: Boniface/X)

Victor Boniface: Bayer Leverkusen identify 15-goal striker to cover injured Super Eagles star

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:12 - 24.01.2024

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.

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.

Victor Boniface will be out of action for three months
Victor Boniface will be out of action for three months.. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

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.

Victor Boniface has 10 goals and 7 assists in 16 matches in the Bundesliga.
Victor Boniface has 10 goals and 7 assists in 16 matches in the Bundesliga. (Photo Credit: Boniface/Instagram)

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.

Xabi Alonso is looking to explore the loan market to cover for Victor Boniface's absence.
Xabi Alonso is looking to explore the loan market to cover for Victor Boniface's absence. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

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. 

Borja Iglesias celebrating a goal for Real Betis
Borja Iglesias celebrating a goal for Real Betis || Image credit: Imago

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.

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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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