Bild reports that Patrik Schick is set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen this summer, which opens the door for a Victor Boniface departure.
New Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag has decided to make Schick his number one striker next season and has vetoed any departure this summer. The 29-year-old was unhappy with his playing time at the backend of last season and was looking to leave this summer, with Bayern Munich interested.
Now, Schick will be Leverkusen’s main striker, and his backup will be Christian Kofane, who is set to join from Spanish side Albacete for €5m.
The Czechia international scored 21 goals this season, five behind top scorer Harry Kane, despite Schick only scoring one penalty the whole season, on the final day of the season against Mainz. The 29-year-old had a strong partnership with Florian Wirtz last season, with the pair combining a total of eight times, the most in the league.
This opens the door for the departure of Victor Boniface in the summer. The 24-year-old was close to leaving in the winter for Saudi Arabia, but the deal collapsed. The Nigerian can leave the club for a fee of around €50m and has attracted interest in the Premier League from Newcastle.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
