“Focus 100% on Bayer Leverkusen” – Nigeria’s Victor Boniface shrugs off failed Al Nassr move

Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface insists he remains committed to Bayer Leverkusen despite his failed winter transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, Soccernet.ng reports.

Boniface’s anticipated move to Al Nassr collapsed after the club decided to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán instead.

The Saudi outfit secured the Colombian striker in a blockbuster €77m deal, including add-ons, effectively ending their pursuit of the Nigerian international.

Al Nassr’s negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Victor Boniface had been progressing, with a Saudi delegation stationed in Germany since Monday to finalize terms. However, the deal ultimately fell through, leaving Boniface’s move dead in the water.

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However, out of the blue, the Riyadh-based side turned their attention to Durán, reaching an agreement with Aston Villa for the 21-year-old forward.

Had Boniface moved to Al Nassr instead of Durán, he would have reportedly seen his annual salary rise from €2 million to a staggering €15 million.

Speaking to SportsBoom, however, Victor Boniface insisted he is unbothered by such calculations.

“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,” he said.

“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, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20m, recently signed a contract extension until 2029, making him one of the club’s highest earners.

The Nigeria international must now shift his focus back to the Bundesliga, where he will look to reclaim his place as Leverkusen’s first-choice striker under Xabi Alonso.

Victor Boniface had a stellar debut season with Leverkusen, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances as the club clinched a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double.

This campaign, however, has been disrupted by injuries, with the Nigerian making just 15 appearances so far, netting eight goals before a thigh problem sidelined him in November 2024.