Victor Boniface Reveals Why He Rejected Premier League Offers for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface disclosed that he turned down lucrative Premier League offers in the summer of 2023 to join Bayer Leverkusen, prioritizing a playing style that suits his strengths.
The 24-year-old Nigerian, who signed with the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions from Union Saint-Gilloise for €20.5 million, shared his reasoning on The Culture League podcast, hosted alongside teammates Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi.
Boniface explained: “So before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team. If you put me in a possession-based side, I’ll give you everything. I can go to a club and be the standout player, but we might lose a game, and everyone points fingers at me. From the grassroots level, that’s how I’ve always played. If I’m on the pitch, I bring everyone along with me.”
He added: “I don’t really like the Premier League. It’s not like if I have the opportunity to go, I won’t take it. If I’m going to make that move, it has to be to a certain type of team. Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play. Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? Because some players can’t perform well under pressure.”
Boniface’s debut season at Leverkusen was stellar, with 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches, powering an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and a domestic double. Injuries limited him to 11 goals in 27 appearances last term, yet his talent continues to attract attention.
Recent rumors link him to AC Milan, but his agent, Aneke Atta, emphasized his commitment to Leverkusen: “Victor has ended the season after his trip to the national team. He is now on holiday, will also train hard on holiday and then come back to prepare for the season.
There is a new coach and a new constellation, but still a very good team that plays in the Champions League again. Victor and I have never talked about a change. We have not spoken with any other association.
At the moment there are no thoughts of leaving Leverkusen. Of course, you never know in football, but Victor loves playing for Leverkusen.”
Despite interest from clubs like Newcastle United and AC Milan, Boniface’s focus remains on Leverkusen’s possession-based system, where he thrives under coach Erik ten Hag, even amidst speculation of a potential €30–40 million move.
