Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, has expressed palpable relief and satisfaction that Victor Boniface, the Nigerian striker, will be remaining with the club. The prospective transfer of Boniface to Al Nassr, a prominent Saudi Pro League club, recently collapsed, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding the player’s future. Alonso’s comments indicate a strong belief in Boniface’s value to the team and his happiness that the striker appears settled and committed to Leverkusen’s cause. The failed move, which was reportedly worth a substantial €15 million per season for Boniface, has now been firmly placed in the past as the team looks forward to the remainder of the season.
The transfer saga involved significant financial figures, with Al Nassr initially prepared to pay Leverkusen €60 million for Boniface, exceeding the German club’s asking price of €50 million. However, the deal unexpectedly fell apart, with renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that while negotiations were advanced, Al Nassr ultimately never gave the final green light. The Saudi club subsequently secured the services of Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán in a high-profile transfer worth €77 million including add-ons, effectively shifting their focus away from the Nigerian international.
Boniface himself has addressed the failed transfer, emphasizing his dedication to Bayer Leverkusen. He acknowledged the natural occurrence of transfer rumors in the world of football, while also expressing his appreciation for the interest shown by prominent clubs. However, the striker unequivocally stated that his current focus is solely on Leverkusen, highlighting his enjoyment of playing for the club and his desire to contribute to the team’s success. He downplayed the importance of the transfer speculation and reaffirmed his commitment to helping Leverkusen achieve their goals, emphasizing that future possibilities will be dealt with when they arise.
The 23-year-old Nigerian, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20 million, recently extended his contract with the club until 2029, solidifying his position as one of their highest earners. This contract extension underscores Leverkusen’s faith in Boniface’s abilities and their desire to retain his services for the long term. His impressive debut season with the club saw him score 21 goals and provide 10 assists in 34 appearances, playing a crucial role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and German Cup double triumph.
However, the current season has been marred by injury setbacks, limiting Boniface’s playing time to just 15 appearances, in which he has scored eight goals. A thigh injury sustained in November 2024 further hampered his progress, highlighting the challenges he has faced in maintaining his form and fitness. Despite these setbacks, his contribution to the team’s success, including a goal in the German Super Cup, helped Leverkusen achieve a remarkable treble in 2024.
The retention of Victor Boniface is a significant boost for Bayer Leverkusen, providing them with a proven goalscorer and a player demonstrably committed to the club’s ambitions. While the allure of a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League proved tempting, Boniface ultimately chose to stay in Germany, reaffirming his commitment to the club that has shown faith in him. As Leverkusen look to build on their recent success, Boniface’s presence in the squad will be crucial in their quest for further silverware and a strong finish to the season. His decision to remain at the club provides stability and reinforces the team’s attacking prowess, providing a platform for continued success in the upcoming matches.
