Boniface may return against Freiburg

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface could make his return from injury in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Freiburg, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles forward, who has been sidelined with a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria against Rwanda, has made significant progress in his recovery according to Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

“We’ll see about next week’s match against Freiburg, there is still hope,” Alonso said.

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for the German champions this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances, with six of those goals coming in 10 Bundesliga matches.

Currently valued at €45m, making him the second most valuable African striker behind Victor Osimhen, Boniface has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Manchester United.

The Nigeria international, who won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award last term after scoring 29 goals and providing 10 assists in 49 appearances as Leverkusen secured their first-ever Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal, is set to be rewarded with an improved contract until 2029.

Sky Germany reports that Die Werkself are in advanced negotiations to extend his current deal with a significant pay rise from his current €3m annual salary that would make him one of the club’s top earners.

Despite the interest from England, Boniface has previously expressed his preference for Spanish football, stating he would rather play in La Liga if he were to leave Germany.

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