Victor Boniface has revealed just how close he came to leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr during the last transfer window, disclosing that the deal reached an advanced stage before collapsing at the last minute, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward, who played a major part in Leverkusen’s historic treble-winning campaign, said he had already packed his bags, agreed personal terms, and was mentally set to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at the Saudi Pro League giants.
The move would have made him one of the highest-paid African players, with a reported salary of around €15 million per season. Boniface said he had even travelled from his base in Cologne to Frankfurt for the flight, but the switch fell through in unexpected and painful fashion.
Speaking on The Culture League Podcast, Boniface opened up about the ordeal.
“I was living in Cologne, and we drove to Frankfurt because the flight was waiting. I was in my hotel room praying the deal would go through, but it didn’t work out at the last minute,” he said.
To show how prepared he was, Boniface said he had already given away most of his designer clothes and shoes to friends, anticipating a lifestyle shift in the Middle East. He added that the interest came from Al Nassr and a top Italian club.
Faced with a big decision, he turned to his elder brother for advice.
“He told me, ‘Go to Italy; you play Champions League, World Cup, everything,’” Boniface explained.
However, upon finding out how much he would be paid, the same person advised him to consider the financial benefits in Saudi Arabia.
Leverkusen reportedly valued him around €70 million at the time, and the club had already begun discussions before Al Nassr pivoted away, eventually signing John Duran, from English Premier League side, Aston Villa.
Boniface, who has 13 goals and assists in 27 appearances across all competitions last season, stressed that he stayed professional throughout the entire process.
“I stayed calm. I didn’t post anything. I called family and friends. Football is full of rumours, but you have to stay focused,” the 24-year-old revealed.