“He’ll train again tomorrow” – Alonso welcomes Boniface with open arms following scuffed Al-Nassr deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed Super Eagles striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, will begin training immediately, following his failed Al-Nassr move, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old has been a brilliant revelation for Die Werkself since joining the Germans in the summer of 2023, leading them to a local double in his debut season.

However, Boniface has struggled this season. At the start of the campaign, the goals appeared to be dry, and when it began to pour, he picked up a thigh injury in November and hasn’t played ever since.

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Boniface’s injury didn’t deter interest from him, despite recently signing a contract extension until 2029 at the Bay Arena. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr were linked with the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker, offering him up to €15m in wages.

However, the deal fell through, as the Saudi Pro League side ended up with Aston Villa striker, Jhon Duran. Al-Nassr signed the Colombian forward for a fee of €77m, pulling the plug on a potential move for Boniface.

Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, here we go! Story from earlier tonight confirmed as documents are being prepared.

Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons, long term deal accepted by Durán.

Medical booked tomorrow and then he will travel to Saudi right after ✈️ pic.twitter.com/m3SN6ots84

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025

With his future now confirmed to be in Germany, Leverkusen boss, Alonso has welcomed the Nigerian, stating there is no pressure on him to leave.

“He will train again tomorrow. I believe he is staying with us. So I have to say that I am satisfied, I am happy. He is comfortable here, so I don’t believe that this is a big stress for him. He is comfortable here,” Alonso stated in quotes revealed by Fotmob following Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Sparta Prague.

Boniface has scored eight goals in 15 games across all competitions this season, but has missed 12 games already this term with a recurring thigh injury. His national compatriot, Nathan Tella, was delighted to have scored his maiden UEFA Champions League goal last night in their win over Prague.

Boniface’s return is a boost to Xabi Alonso’s side, as they look to mount pressure on Bayern Munich, who are currently six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.