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Just weeks ago, Nigerian and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface seemed destined to make history as the first Nigerian footballer to play alongside Five Time Ballon D’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
The move, initially reported by renowned Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism across the football world. With Boniface emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s top young forwards, so many football fans expected his next move to be a step up into the elite leagues of European football. Instead, he was linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, a move that fans were divided about seemed financially driven rather than career-motivated.
However, the much-anticipated transfer never materialised. Instead, Boniface remains a crucial player at Bayer Leverkusen as the January transfer window closes. The question is: what changed?
Al Nassr have been one of the most aggressive clubs in the Saudi Pro League signing superstars like Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozovic over the years. Their ambition is clear which is to elevate the league’s global profile by attracting world-class talent. Boniface, with his explosive style of play and goal-scoring prowess, was seen as a key addition to their attack.
Reports suggested that Al Nassr had opened official discussions with Bayer Leverkusen, with the intention of making Boniface one of their marquee signings. Given the financial power of Saudi clubs, many assumed the deal was all but sealed. So, what happened?
While financial incentives were undoubtedly attractive, several factors ultimately prevented the move from happening.
Boniface has been instrumental for Bayer Leverkusen since joining the club from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. Under Xabi Alonso, the club is building something special, currently competing at the top of the Bundesliga and making progress in European competitions. Letting go of their top striker midway through the season was never part of the plan. Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, made it clear that Boniface was a vital part of their project and hinted at a possible contract extension beyond 2026.
As negotiations with Leverkusen dragged on, Al Nassr turned their attention to other forwards. Instead of Boniface, the Saudi club sealed a deal for Colombian and Aston villa striker Jhon Durán. The move indicated that Al Nassr had either lost patience or saw Durán as a more accessible target.
While the financial benefits of moving to Saudi Arabia are undeniable, Boniface had personal considerations to weigh. At 24, he is still in the early stages of his career, and remaining in Europe’s top leagues allows him to develop further and compete at the highest level. A move to Saudi Arabia could have been seen as a step backward in terms of competition and international recognition. Moreover, the Nigerian forward is keen to establish himself as a top striker in Europe before considering such moves later in his career.
With the January transfer window closed, Boniface remains at Leverkusen, where he continues to play a key role in their title defence. His decision to stay could prove beneficial, as it keeps him in contention for major European honors and strengthens his chances of securing a high-profile move to clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A in the future.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen are working on extending his contract, ensuring that they retain their prized asset for the foreseeable future. If Boniface maintains his form and continues his rapid development, it is only a matter of time before elite European clubs come calling.
Boniface’s transfer saga is a reminder that not all lucrative offers are worth taking. While the financial rewards of a move to Saudi Arabia were tempting, the long-term impact on his career held greater weight. By staying in Europe, Boniface is positioning himself for continued success, both at club and international levels.
For now, the Nigerian star remains a Leverkusen player, focused on the challenge ahead. And in the ever-evolving world of football, his next move—whenever it happens—will be closely watched.
