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Seun LeagueLane - February 3, 2025
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been at the center of an intense transfer saga in recent weeks, with strong links to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. The Nigerian forward, who played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and German Cup triumphs last season, appeared set for a big-money move to the Middle East. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the transfer ultimately collapsed, and Boniface is set to continue his journey in Germany under Xabi Alonso.
A Potential Move to Saudi Arabia
Reports initially suggested that Boniface was on the verge of joining Al Nassr, where he would have shared the dressing room with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozović. The Saudi club, keen on bolstering their attacking options, had been in talks with both Boniface and Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, weighing up their options before finalizing a deal.
Boniface had reportedly been excused from Leverkusen training ahead of their Champions League clash against Sparta Prague, fueling speculation that a move was imminent. A reported transfer fee of around €70 million was in discussion, with rumors even suggesting that he had undergone a medical examination in preparation for the transfer.
Al Nassr’s Striker Dilemma: Boniface vs. Duran
Al Nassr’s pursuit of a new striker also involved a parallel chase for Aston Villa’s Colombian forward Jhon Duran. At one point, the Saudi club was torn between signing Boniface or pushing through a move for Duran. The club had already reached a verbal agreement with Boniface, but Duran’s availability added a new dimension to the negotiations.
Ultimately, Al Nassr decided to proceed with Duran’s transfer, with the 21-year-old expected to complete a €77 million (£64.5m) move after undergoing a medical in London. The decision to finalize Duran’s signing effectively ended their interest in Boniface, leaving the Nigerian forward’s future uncertain.
The Unexpected Twist: Boniface to Stay at Leverkusen
In a surprising development, Bayer Leverkusen confirmed that Boniface would be returning to training with the team, putting an end to the transfer rumors. Following Leverkusen’s 2-0 victory over Sparta Prague, head coach Xabi Alonso addressed the situation, making it clear that the club had no intention of selling the forward at this stage.
“He will train with us tomorrow, and we will talk. I am happy that he is staying,” Alonso stated. The Spanish coach further clarified that while discussions had taken place, the offer from Al Nassr was not sufficient to convince the club to part ways with Boniface. “He is still our player. It is clear that there were discussions, but the offer was not enough for us to consider letting him go.”
Boniface’s return is seen as a boost for Leverkusen, especially with crucial fixtures ahead. However, questions remain about how the failed transfer will impact his standing within the squad. Some teammates have already shared their views on the matter, with one striker taking a subtle jab at Boniface’s initial interest in the Saudi move, stating, “I am 29 and still have ambitions to play at the top level. For me, Saudi Arabia is not an option. But everyone is different.”
What Next for Boniface?
Having lost his starting spot to Patrik Schick due to a hamstring injury in November, Boniface now faces a battle to reclaim his position in the team. Before his injury, he had made a strong impact, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in his debut season with Leverkusen. However, fitness struggles have limited his appearances this term, with just 15 games played and eight goals scored so far.
Despite the transfer saga, Alonso remains confident that Boniface will stay committed to Leverkusen’s cause. “He feels comfortable here; it’s a good situation for him. He will fight for his position in the team,” the coach affirmed.
While a move to Saudi Arabia may still be a possibility in the future, for now, Boniface’s focus will be on helping Leverkusen defend their Bundesliga crown and competing in Europe. His return to training signals a fresh start, and it remains to be seen how he will respond after this roller-coaster transfer window.
