The sporting director of Werder Bremen, Clemens Fritz, has said that the club’s choice to loan Victor Boniface during the summer transfer window has not benefited them.
Boniface came to Werder Bremen on a temporary loan from Bayer Leverkusen, hoping to help the team improve their attacking play during the season.
The Nigerian player had a hard time getting back to the level where he was one of the most exciting forwards in the Bundesliga because of injuries and not playing consistently.
The 25-year-old’s challenges have sparked criticism towards the club’s decision to sign him, a situation Fritz addressed while explaining the rationale behind the move.
Fritz talked to the German outlet Mopo and mentioned that the club was ready to take a smart risk by signing the Nigerian player.
Fritz explained that the reason for the transfer was to take a reasonable financial risk and have the courage to recognize the opportunity.
He further revealed that the plan behind the deal was not only to benefit from Boniface’s quality but to aid the development of young forward, Keke Topp.
He said, “On one hand, we wanted to develop Keke, and on the other hand, we also wanted to get the good qualities that Victor definitely has.”
Fritz admitted that even though the move was meant to work, it didn’t turn out as planned.
“As things stand now, we have to say that it hasn’t worked out in that form,” he said.
Boniface had a tough time at the Weserstadion, where he has only managed to provide two assists in his 11 games for the Bundesliga team.
His difficulties were made worse by injuries that kept him from playing consistently and stopped him from having a long-lasting effect.
The Nigerian player is now healing from a knee injury, which makes it uncertain whether he will be able to play for Werder Bremen for the rest of the season.