Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will leave Werder Bremen at the end of the season and return to parent club Bayer Leverkusen following the conclusion of his loan spell.
The 24-year-old forward is set to depart the Weserstadion after Bremen’s final Bundesliga fixture of the campaign against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Boniface’s return to Leverkusen comes after a difficult season marked by injuries, limited playing opportunities and uncertainty over his long-term future. The Super Eagles striker had initially been expected to play a major role at Bremen after arriving on loan from the Bundesliga champions, but he struggled to establish himself in the first team.
Instead, the Nigerian international spent much of the campaign on the fringes of the squad, largely appearing as a substitute and failing to secure regular starts.
The striker’s problems deepened in December when it emerged that he had suffered a knee injury serious enough to require surgery. Although he resumed full training last month, Boniface did not feature again for Bremen after recovering from the injury.
Earlier concerns had suggested he might miss the remainder of the season entirely.
Boniface’s difficult year began before his move to Bremen. Last summer, the forward appeared close to joining Italian giants AC Milan, only for the transfer to collapse after he reportedly failed a medical examination.
Following the failed move, Leverkusen opted to send him out on loan after then coach Erik ten Hag deemed him surplus to requirements.
The Nigerian had previously enjoyed a prolific spell with Leverkusen and played a significant role during the club’s title-winning campaign two years ago, when Die Werkself secured the Bundesliga crown.
However, injuries and inconsistency have since disrupted his progress, leaving questions over what role he could play when he returns to Leverkusen this summer.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Boniface still has two years remaining on his contract with the German club.
Following confirmation of his departure from Bremen, the striker posted a message on social media thanking those connected with the club for their support during his brief spell.
“Wow. Crazy season for me, a lot has happened. Just want to say thank you very much to fans and staff and players.”
Boniface will now attempt to revive his career back at Leverkusen and impress incoming coach Kasper Hjulmand ahead of next season.
The striker faces a crucial period as he seeks to rediscover the form that once made him one of the Bundesliga’s most highly rated forwards.
While his loan spell at Bremen did not unfold as expected, Boniface will hope a fresh opportunity at Leverkusen can help him re-establish himself after a season overshadowed by setbacks.
