Werder Bremen president Hubertus Hess-Grunewald has defended the club’s decision to sign Victor Boniface in the summer, insisting the move was made with full awareness of the Nigerian international's fitness challenges.

Boniface joined the Green-Whites on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen after a proposed move to Italian giants AC Milan collapsed. 

However, his struggles with form and recurring injuries have drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase, with Bremen currently battling relegation in the Bundesliga.

Speaking on a TV program "Buten un Binnen," Hess-Grunewald explained that the club never expected Boniface to be at full fitness throughout the campaign. 

He revealed that Bremen’s plan was for the Super Eagles forward to share minutes with young striker Keke Topp, allowing the club to manage his workload while still benefiting from his quality.

"The idea was to have Keke Topp and Victor Boniface as two players who would share playing time," Hess-Grunewald said as quoted by Deichstube.

"Because, we also knew that Victor wouldn't be fully fit, but with his quality he could get some playing time." 

The 25-year-old has endured a difficult campaign so far, making 11 league appearances and providing two assists in the Bundesliga. 

His season has been further disrupted by a recent knee injury, which is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Boniface’s loan deal is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving his future uncertain as Werder Bremen continue their fight to avoid relegation.

Adeyemi Adewale