Victor Boniface speaks after missing out on Al Nassr move
Nigeria forward Victor Boniface has said he is fully focused on Bayer Leverkusen, despite missing out on a big-money transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Al Nassr had been in talks to sign Boniface, with a delegation in Germany working on the deal. However, they decided to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán instead, securing the Colombian striker for €77 million, including add-ons.
Had Boniface made the move, his salary would have risen from €2 million to €15 million per year. However, the Super Eagles star has made it clear that he is not distracted by transfer rumours.
“Transfer rumours are normal in football. It’s always flattering when big clubs show interest, but my focus right now is 100% on Bayer Leverkusen,” Boniface told SportsBoom.
“A lot of calculations have also happened here and there, but I love playing here, and I want to give my best to the team. What happens in the future will happen, but for now, my mind is only on helping Leverkusen achieve our goals.”
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20 million and recently signed a contract extension until 2029, making him one of the club’s highest-paid players.
The Nigerian must now focus on regaining full fitness and reclaiming his place in the team under manager Xabi Alonso.
Boniface had a brilliant first season in Germany, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga and German Cup. However, injuries have slowed him down this season, limiting him to just 15 appearances and eight goals before a thigh injury sidelined him in November 2024.
With the Bundesliga campaign still ongoing, Boniface will be eager to return to action and help his team push for more success.
