Failed Al Nassr move won’t affect Boniface, Alonso insists

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is confident that Nigeria striker Victor Boniface will fight for his place in the champions’ team despite almost leaving the club to join Saudi Premier League giants Al Nassr in January, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles forward was set for a lucrative €15m per season move to the Saudi club before the deal broke down at the last minute.

The Saudi outfit opted instead to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán in a blockbuster €77m deal, including add-ons, effectively ending their pursuit of the Nigeria international.

Boniface, who recently recovered from a thigh injury had since returned to the side featuring in their last three games and scoring two goals.

He has started two of the games and got more minutes (75) in their goalless draw against Wolfsburg on Saturday and the coach has again backed him to fight for his place again in the starting lineup, battling it out with in-form centre-forward Patrik Schick who scored 14 goals in his absence.

The Spanish coach also noted that the failed transfer won’t have any negative effects on Boniface’s emotions.

“We spoke before this transfer window began. He was open to the idea of a transfer, but he’s happy here. That’s why I don’t think it will be a big stress for him. He’ll switch back in his head and accept the idea that he’s staying here. He’ll see his situation positively and fight for his position in the team.”

Before injury halted his season last November, Boniface started the current season well, with six goals and one assist in his first 10 Bundesliga outings. He missed 14 games as a result of the injury.

He scored on his return against Hoffenheim before netting the winner in their cup clash against Koln.

The 23-year-old striker, 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.

Boniface enjoyed 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.