Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has admitted that Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface struggled to cope with pressure during the preparation for the 2025/26 season.

The 24-year-old Nigerian forward must now fight for his place at the German club after Rolfes claimed he was not resilient enough when faced with transfer speculation.

“Unfortunately, Boniface couldn’t handle the pressure at the beginning of the preseason,” Rolfes told Kicker.

“The possibility of a transfer was an issue because Boni wasn’t as resilient. He’s improved, but the question is, can we give him the opportunities to become really good again?”

Boniface will now have to compete with Patrik Schick and 19-year-old Christian Kofane for the lone striker position at Leverkusen, with his future at the club appearing uncertain.

The Nigeria international’s proposed move to Milan broke down after the Serie A side conducted four different medical tests and became concerned about his injury history. Milan had agreed terms with Leverkusen, including a €5m loan fee and a €24m option to buy, but ultimately pulled out of the deal.

Boniface, who has suffered two anterior cruciate ligament tears during his career, recently broke his silence on the failed transfer, confirming that his past injuries were central to Milan’s decision.

“The move didn’t work out because of my past injuries. I had a knee injury twice on my right leg, and it has been there for a long time,” he explained during a live-streaming session.

The striker, who joined Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €20.5m in 2023, has missed parts of each of the last two seasons with muscular problems. He also endured the disappointment of a collapsed €60m move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January.

Despite the setbacks, Boniface remains under contract at Leverkusen until 2027 and is expected to compete for a place under new coach Erik ten Hag this season after returning to training on Wednesday.

The forward has previously opened up about how his injury struggles, combined with the loss of his mother, nearly led him to quit football entirely.