Victor Boniface seems poised to leave Bayer Leverkusen, but will not be joining a Premier League club.
Amid speculation involving Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Boniface appears ready to make a move to Saudi Arabia on deadline day.
Sky Sport Germany reports Boniface is set to join Al Nassr instead and will thus share a dressing room with one global icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Boniface previously showcased his skills at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt before making the move to Leverkusen in 2023 from Belgian Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise.
In his debut season, he was instrumental in Leverkusen’s triumph in the Bundesliga, German Cup, and the German Super Cup in what was a memorable season.
Boniface also scored a remarkable 21 goals and provided ten assists in 34 games for Xabi Alonso’s squad, earning the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season award in the process.
However, Boniface was absent from Bayer training on Tuesday, as coach Alonso confirmed the swirling transfer rumours.
“Yes, there is this situation,” he said. “Talks are being held with the club. We have to wait and see.”
The team are preparing to face Sparta Prague on Wednesday evening seemingly without Boniface, an absence that will certainly be felt.
Alonso also emphasised that if the attacker departs, he would still be content with the squad, even if Bayer chooses not to sign a replacement.
It’s understood Leverkusen want at least €50million (approximately £42m).
Boniface’s contract was discreetly adjusted until 2029 recently, placing him among the top earners in the squad.
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Boniface has netted 29 goals in 49 competitive matches for Leverkusen while also providing eleven assists.
A hamstring injury sustained in November, compounded by other fitness issues, has limited the Nigerian to 15 appearances this term, during which he scored eight goals.
In that time, Patrik Schick has since emerged as Leverkusen’s first-choice striker, netting 17 goals in 25 games this season.
Boniface was also unable to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.
Al Nassr have also expressed interest in Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.
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However, Villa’s reluctance to entertain offers for the Colombian has persuaded the Saudi side to pursue Boniface.
Villa rejected a £59m bid from Premier League rivals West Ham United for Duran earlier in the January transfer window.
