Former Nigeria international Ahmed Garba, fondly known as ‘Yaro Yaro’, talking exclusively to Footy-Africa expressed belief that the time may be right for Victor Boniface to move on from Bayer Leverkusen as new head coach Erik ten Hag confirmed the striker would not start in the club’s DFB-Pokal clash against Regionalliga newcomers SG Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday.
Boniface has largely been used as a substitute in pre-season matches, and Ten Hag’s admission during his pre-match press conference that the forward is “not ready yet” to start has only intensified talk of a possible exit.
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“Since that collapsed move to Saudi Arabia, things have not gone well for Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen,” Garba said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa. “I have been in Germany and it is very difficult there, especially when you are not a regular. Maybe the failed Saudi deal affected him, or maybe it is something else.
“However, the new coach does not seem to fancy Boniface because he has not been regular as usual despite being back in form,” he added.
Garba, who had a brief spell with Borussia Dortmund, thinks a move to AC Milan could be the perfect next step for the Super Eagles striker.
“I read about the interest from AC Milan. They are a big club and I am sure Boni will succeed there. He is a very good striker and I hope he gets a move because, personally, I want to see him score goals as I enjoy watching him play football. I do not think Ten Hag is a fan of Boniface and if that is the case, then he needs to move and Milan would be a great one for him,” he noted.
The 24-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 27 matches across all competitions last season despite injury setbacks, is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs, including Italian giants AC Milan.
With the transfer window still open and Milan actively searching for a new striker, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Boniface’s career.
For now, his immediate future remains clouded in uncertainty, but the interest from Italy may offer him the opportunity for a fresh start and a return to regular football.