Bayer coach Xabi Alonso stays: Chelsea and Arsenal-linked striker Boniface could follow suit

The future of Nigerian international Victor Boniface could be affected by a recent decision made by Spanish football tactician Xabi Alonso regarding his future at Bayer Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso has ended speculation about his future after deciding that he will continue to be in the Bayer Leverkusen dugout next season.

The 2010 World Cup winner with Spain was heavily linked with the Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool jobs but he confirmed at this afternoon's pre-match press conference before the Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim that he had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and Informed them that he will continue at the club.

Alonso stressed that he wants to improve, keep the core of the team and take Bayer Leverkusen to another level.

Apart from Boniface, English Premier League clubs were also keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen stars Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz before the Spaniard pledged his loyalty to the Bundesliga table toppers.

Alonso gave Bayer Leverkusen's recruitment team the green light to acquire Boniface from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last summer after watching him at close quarters in the quarterfinals of the 2022-2023 Europa League.

Four months into his career at Bayer, the Super Eagles striker has adapted like a duck to water, registering 25 goal involvements in 23 matches before suffering an injury while on international duty with Nigeria's national team before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Boniface's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed with Chelsea and Arsenal mentioned as possible destinations if they fail to land one of  their primary targets, including Victor Osimhen. 

Leverkusen have provided Boniface with a platform to continue his development and under the tutelage of Alonso, his all-round game has become more refined.

Everything points to the fact that the 23-year-old will be staying put at Bayer beyond this season despite links with Chelsea and Arsenal. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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