Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is in discussions with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr to leave the club during the current transfer window.
According to Sky Germany, the 24-year-old is close to securing a €50 million ($52 million) transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he would team up with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Boniface joined Leverkusen 18 months ago from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for €20 million. Since then, he has scored 29 goals and provided 11 assists in 49 appearances but has been sidelined since November due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty.
Ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague, Alonso confirmed Boniface’s absence from training and said the team is preparing without him. “There are discussions with the club, and we need to wait. Our preparation is with the rest of the squad who are ready and fit,” Alonso stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
Despite Boniface’s likely departure, Leverkusen are actively working to strengthen their squad during the winter transfer window. “I’m very satisfied with the squad and our quality… and will be [at the end of the window],” Alonso added.
In Boniface’s absence, Czech forward Patrik Schick has stepped up for Leverkusen, scoring 13 goals in his last nine league matches. Schick, who began his career at Sparta Prague, said Boniface’s potential exit would not affect his focus. “It doesn’t change very much for me… whether Victor is here or not,” Schick commented.
Schick also expressed excitement about facing his former club, jokingly anticipating some “insults” from the visiting fans during the Champions League tie.
As Leverkusen await the conclusion of Boniface’s transfer saga, they remain focused on securing their Champions League progression.
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