Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface could return to Bundesliga action in the coming weeks despite his apparent frustration during the club’s 4-3 victory over Mainz, according to reports.
The Nigerian forward headed straight to the dressing room after Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez made his final substitution in the 84th minute, bringing on Jonas Hofmann for Patrick Schick.
Boniface was the only recognised striker available on the bench, with Christian Kofane sidelined for several weeks after suffering a thigh muscle injury while on international duty with Cameroon.
The 25-year-old has struggled for playing time this season, making just one appearance and spending five minutes on the pitch before providing an assist in Leverkusen’s 3-2 defeat to Elversberg on the opening matchday.
Martinez said he had not noticed Boniface’s early departure during the match but indicated that the matter could be addressed.
“If that is what happened, we will speak to him,” the coach said, acknowledging that players naturally want to contribute while stressing that selection decisions are part of football.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes also played down the incident, suggesting Boniface might have left for the dressing room slightly earlier than expected.
Rolfes added that the club welcomed players who showed emotion, provided their behaviour remained appropriate, and expressed satisfaction with Boniface’s fitness and conduct in recent months.
The striker was not included in Leverkusen’s Europa League squad and will miss Thursday’s fixture against Lech Poznań. With Schick expected to remain a key option, Bundesliga matches could offer Boniface his clearest opportunity to earn more minutes.
His situation also follows uncertainty over his future, with a proposed €70 million transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr collapsing in January 2025.
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