Victor Boniface will remain at Bayer Leverkusen after his proposed transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr collapsed, despite initial agreements and a completed medical, according to reports from Germany.
Boniface, who recently returned from injury, was left out of Leverkusen’s Champions League squad amid growing speculation over a move to the Middle East.
Al Nassr had reportedly agreed a €60m deal with the Bundesliga champions and were prepared to offer the Nigerian forward a staggering €15m-a-year salary—seven times his current earnings.
Bayer Leverkusen Managing Director Simon Rolfes has now confirmed that Boniface will not be making the switch to Saudi Arabia.
“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay,” Rolfes said. “He feels comfortable here, and his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”
Boniface was on the verge of completing a lucrative move after Al Nassr reached an agreement with Leverkusen and the Nigeria international had also settled on personal terms with Stefano Pioli’s side. However, the Saudi club pulled out at the last minute and opted to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in a blockbuster €77m deal instead.
Sky Sports Germany confirmed the collapse of Boniface’s transfer, reporting:
“Victor Boniface to Al Nassr, 100% off. Deal has finally collapsed tonight, as Leverkusen boss Simon Rolfes confirmed just a few seconds ago. Despite all verbal agreements and the completed medical check, Al Nassr have canceled the deal with Boniface and Bayer 04. The delegation is returning to Saudi Arabia without Boniface. Al Nassr have decided to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.”
With the transfer saga now over, Boniface will refocus on Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title defense and European ambitions. Having signed a contract extension until 2029, he remains a key part of Xabi Alonso’s squad.
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