Werder Bremen Sporting Director Clemens Fritz has explained the rationale behind the club’s decision to sign Victor Boniface despite concerns over his injury history.

Boniface joined Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen on loan after a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed due to fitness concerns. 

The Nigerian forward has endured a difficult spell at the club, struggling with both form and recurring fitness issues at the Weser Stadium.

Boniface recently returned to training from a serious knee injury that had initially threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Speaking to FAZ, Fritz explained that the move was part of a broader developmental strategy aimed at nurturing young striker Keke Topp into a consistent first-team option, while relying on Boniface’s quality to provide depth and competition

"Victor wouldn't play 34 games, that was clear to us," he said via Deichstube. "Therefore, our thinking was: if we develop Keke Topp, but have the quality in Victor to share the playing time – then it could work. In hindsight, that was a miscalculation," Clemens Fritz now admits. (mbü)

Boniface, who has endured a difficult campaign marked by poor form and recurring fitness issues, registered just two assists in 11 league appearances. 

The Nigerian International will now be aiming to regain full fitness and push for a return to action

Adeyemi Adewale