The Collapsed Transfer Saga of Victor Boniface: A Tale of Two Strikers and Shifting Sands in the Saudi Pro League
The football world witnessed a dramatic turn of events involving Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, as his anticipated €15 million per season move to Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr crumbled at the eleventh hour. Boniface, a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, had been on the cusp of a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Arabian club, a move that would have seen Leverkusen receive a hefty €60 million transfer fee, exceeding their initial asking price of €50 million. The transfer saga, however, took an unexpected twist, leaving Boniface back in training with the German side and Al Nassr pursuing another target.
The negotiations between Leverkusen and Al Nassr had progressed rapidly, with both clubs seemingly aligned on the terms of the deal. Boniface was even excused from training and Leverkusen’s Champions League match-day squad, fueling speculation that the transfer was imminent. However, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivered the surprising news that the deal had collapsed. Al Nassr, despite advancing negotiations to a significant stage, ultimately decided against giving the final green light for Boniface’s transfer.
The reason behind Al Nassr’s sudden change of heart lies in their pursuit of another striking option: Aston Villa’s Colombian forward, Jhon Durán. It emerged that Boniface was Al Nassr’s second-choice target, with Durán occupying the top spot on their wishlist. Initially, Al Nassr prioritized negotiations with Leverkusen for Boniface due to Aston Villa’s reluctance to part with their young talent. However, a shift in Villa’s stance opened the door for Durán’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Aston Villa’s softening stance on Durán’s transfer came as a result of renewed negotiations with Al Nassr. The English club ultimately agreed to sell the Colombian forward for a substantial €77 million, potentially rising further with add-ons. Durán himself agreed to a five-and-a-half-year contract, signaling his eagerness to join the Saudi Pro League. With the agreement in place, Durán travelled to London to complete his medical, paving the way for his official unveiling as an Al Nassr player. The Saudi club’s urgency in finalizing the transfer stemmed from the approaching closure of the Saudi transfer window on January 31st, contrasting with the English transfer window’s deadline on February 3rd.
The collapse of Boniface’s transfer leaves the Nigerian striker back at Leverkusen, where he is expected to continue playing until another suitable offer arrives. Leverkusen, despite their initial willingness to sell Boniface, are now in a position to retain their valuable asset, who proved instrumental in their double triumph last season. Boniface’s impressive record of 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions underscores his importance to the team.
Boniface’s return to training with Leverkusen signals his commitment to the club, at least for the foreseeable future. He has steadily recovered from a thigh injury that sidelined him since November 2024 and is keen to contribute to the team’s success. This season, Boniface has already notched up eight goals and one assist in 15 appearances, demonstrating his continued potency in front of goal. While the allure of a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League might resurface in the future, for now, Boniface remains a key figure in Leverkusen’s plans.
In conclusion, the Victor Boniface transfer saga highlights the dynamic nature of the football transfer market, where shifting priorities and unforeseen circumstances can dramatically alter a player’s trajectory. While Boniface’s move to Al Nassr ultimately faltered, his return to Leverkusen provides him with the opportunity to continue showcasing his talent and contributing to the club’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Al Nassr secured their primary target in Jhon Durán, adding another exciting dimension to their squad as they compete in the increasingly competitive Saudi Pro League. The transfer saga also underscores the growing influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global football landscape, their financial muscle enabling them to attract top talent from European leagues.
