There are growing complications when it comes to the completion of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface’s move to Saudi Arabia with words rife that Al-Nassr are exploring a deal to sign Villa’s Jhon Durán instead of the Nigerian international.
According to Sky Germany, every aspect of the Boniface’s deal, including the medical and the transfer fee had been agreed. Leverkusen would receive €60-70m for the Nigerian striker, the only thing left was for the deal to be finalised.
The reason the deal has not yet been finalised is that Al Nassr are negotiating with Aston Villa for Colombian striker Jhon Duran. The Athletic reports that if Villa receives a fee of €80m for Duran and a move suits all parties, then a move would be possible.
It has been reported that it will be either Boniface or Duran, not both, who will move to the Arabian peninsula this month.
Leverkusen is already planning for Boniface’s departure in this window, and have been linked with a move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. Die Werkself face competition from the Premier League and Ligue 1 for the Irish international’s signature.
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface is set to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr after Bayer Leverkusen agreed to a permanent transfer for the Nigeria international.
According to Sky Sports reporter, Florian Plettenburg, the deal is worth over €60m, with a verbal agreement already in place.
The reporter also revealed that Boniface will earn a staggering €15m per season (approximately N23.805 billion) and has already completed his medicals with the club.
The move is expected to strengthen Al Nassr’s attack, adding Boniface’s pace, power, and finishing ability to their frontline.
At 24, the Nigerian forward is entering his prime, and the switch to Saudi Arabia could be a defining moment in his career.
He will also become the first to Nigerian player ever to star alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Leverkusen will be disappointed to lose Boniface, who was instrumental in their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign in 2023/24.
His contributions on and off the pitch made him a fan favourite at the club.
The transfer is now awaiting the final exchange of documents between the two clubs, after which an official announcement will be made.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, are expected to ramp up efforts to sign a replacement, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson among the names linked.
Boniface arrived in Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for 20 million euros.
He has scored 29 goals and laid on 11 assists in 49 matches for the club, but has not played since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty in November.
The Nigeria striker missed training ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.
“There are discussions with the club and we need to wait. We’re preparing without Boni,” Alonso told reporters yesterday at his press conference. “We will see. We need to wait a bit more but our preparation is with the rest of our squad who are ready and fit and in good shape at the moment.
“It’s the last Champions League game and that’s our focus.”
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has dismissed alleged reports over frosty relationship with partner, Rikke Hermine.
The Bayer Leverkusen star according to stories circulating on the social media wanted an end to the four-year-old relationship due to the Norwegian’s ‘insistence on a legal marriage without a prenuptial agreement’.
The reports further claimed that Boniface was prioritising his financial security and avoiding future risks.
A post by African Hub alleged: “Boniface is now focused on safeguarding his financial future and avoiding potential pitfalls.”
But Boniface has since cleared the air on the alleged parting of ways with his partner with a statement partly writing in Pidgin English via X (formerly Twitter): “Stop posting fake stuff you know nothing about… Una just carry phone, no know Wetin Dey sup, just post. No be everybody be like una sister. So respect yourself. Everything you guys say about her is all lies.”
Meanwhile, some English Premier League clubs are reportedly considering the option of signing Boniface from the German Bundesliga champions before the end of the January transfer window.
The transfer fee for Boniface is estimated to be around €50m, but it remains to be seen whether Leverkusen will be willing to part with their prized asset this January or in the summer.
Despite struggling with injury in the on-going campaign, Boniface has managed a significant impact for Leverkusen as he is currently the team’s third-highest goal scorer in the league, with six goals. Additionally, Boniface has also found the back of the net in the Super Cup and Champions League, showcasing his scoring prowess for the German side.
However, the recent form of Patrik Schick and the signing of Alejo Sarco, a talented Argentine forward, have raised questions about Boniface’s role in the team. The uncertainty surrounding Boniface’s future has reportedly sparked interest from various Premier League clubs, who are eager to capitalize on the situation.
A positive development, Boniface made a timely return from injury just before Leverkusen’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid which they lost 2-1.
Although he didn’t play a part in the game, Boniface was named on the bench, indicating that Xabi Alonso is keen to integrate him back into the team. As the season enters its critical phase, Boniface will be focused on regaining his full fitness and reclaiming his spot in the starting line-up.
With Bayer Leverkusen seeking to defend their Bundesliga title and qualify for the Champions League Round of 16, Victor Boniface’s contributions will be crucial.
As he works towards regaining his form and starting spot, Boniface will be aware of the interest from Premier League clubs. However, for now, his priority will be to help Leverkusen achieve their goals and cement his place in the team.
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has dismissed reports claiming he ended his four-year relationship with Norwegian partner, Rikke Hermine, over her insistence on a legal marriage without a prenuptial agreement.
The reports, which surfaced on social media, alleged that Boniface was prioritising his financial security and avoiding future risks.
A post by African Hub alleged: “Boniface is now focused on safeguarding his financial future and avoiding potential pitfalls.”
In response, the Bayer Leverkusen star took to X on Thursday to refute the claims, labeling them as false.
Writing partly in Pidgin English, Boniface said, “Stop posting fake stuff you know nothing about… Una just carry phone, no know Wetin Dey sup, just post. No be everybody be like una sister. So respect yourself. Everything you guys say about her is all lies.”
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is nearing his return to action, two months after suffering a hamstring injury, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of today’s Bundesliga home clash against Mainz 05.
The 24-year-old Boniface sustained the thigh muscle injury in November after returning from international duty with Nigeria. Before the setback, he had scored eight goals from 15 games in all competitions for Leverkusen this season.
Last term, he netted 14 goals in 23 league appearances to finish as their top scorer and played a pivotal role in securing Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title.
Defender Jeanuel Belocian remains sidelined after his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear last month while forward Amine Adli is still recovering from a fracture and will not feature in the Mainz clash.
“Adli won’t be able to re-join the team until the end of January at the earliest but Boniface could return next week. He still needs plenty of time to train,” Alonso told reporters .
Talisman Florian Wirtz, who was left out of the starting line-up and played around 25 minutes in Leverkusen’s 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund last week due to an internal issue, will start against Mainz, Alonso confirmed.
A run of six straight wins has lifted Leverkusen to second in the league standings with 35 points, four behind leaders Bayern Munich. Their form will be tested as Alonso’s side face a busy stretch ahead with five matches in 15 days.
Leverkusen resume their Champions League campaign on Jan. 21 away at Atletico Madrid, and Alonso said his side are eagerly looking forward to it.
“Sometimes it’s even good not to have much time and just keep playing,” Alonso added. “If we don’t give 100% on the pitch tomorrow against Mainz, we’ll face problems (ahead).”
Fifth-place Mainz are also in good form, coming off a streak of three wins, including a 2-1 victory over Bayern in mid-December that handed the Bavarians their first league defeat.
“They’re currently in very strong shape. They play boldly with the ball and with great energy. They have an excellent sense of when to press high and when to sit deeper,” Alonso said.
After Mainz, Leverkusen are set to host Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Former Super Eagles and Manchester City player Kayode Olanrewaju has stressed that it will take time to adjust to African football for Nigerians plying their trade in Europe.
The ex-Girona forward who was speaking in the defence of Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, who has faced criticism from Nigerian fans over his recent performances for the national team said Nigerians need to be more patient with the former USG of Belgium attacker.
In an interview with Nairasports, Olanrewaju highlighted the differences between European and African football, stressing that Boniface needs time to adapt to the demands of playing for the Super Eagles.
“People need to understand that transitioning from European football to African football is not easy. Boniface has great potential, and he deserves patience as he adjusts to the national team’s style,” Olanrewaju said.
“People are always questioning Boniface’s performance with the Super Eagles, but it’s not all about the national team. He just needs time. You can’t compare European football with African football; it’s different. Look at the facilities, stadiums, and other things – it’s different.”
Shifting his focus to Ademola Lookman, Olanrewaju highlighted his technical skills and proposed that he could become Nigeria’s first Ballon d’Or winner.
He said: “Lookman is different, very technical, can dribble, has a great pass, and nice shooting technique. Lookman is in form, and he’s doing well. For me, it’s Lookman, nobody else. He had a great season, and I’m sure he’ll continue to excel.”
Olanrewaju, in conclusion, emphasized the importance of improving Nigerian football infrastructure, citing Morocco as a standard.
“Morocco’s facilities, pitches, and training grounds are different from ours. They’re well-kept and organized, and that’s why they’re doing well. Morocco is bound to be in the World Cup final soon. We need to learn from them,” he noted.
Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface observed from the stands as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 2-1 victory against St. Pauli at the Bay Arena.
Meanwhile, a goal scored by Nathan Tella in the 44th minute was ruled out by the officials.
Boniface, who sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in November, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, leaving a void in Leverkusen’s attacking lineup.
Despite his absence, the team showcased resilience and skill, with Nathan Tella’s goal being controversially disallowed after a VAR review in the first half.
Leverkusen opened the scoring early in the match, with Florian Wirtz netting a right-footed shot in the 6th minute, expertly assisted by Granit Xhaka.
The home side doubled their lead in the 21st minute when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner from Aleix García, leaving St. Pauli scrambling to respond.
As the match progressed, Tella appeared to extend Leverkusen’s lead, but his goal was ruled out just before halftime, leaving the score at 2-0.
St. Pauli fought back in the closing minutes, with Morgan Guilavogui managing to score a late goal in the 84th minute, but their efforts to equalize fell short.
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has come under heavy criticism in Germany for using his mobile phone while driving too fast and recklessly on the highway.
This comes just weeks after he was involved in a car crash in Frankfurt that he escaped with minor injuries.
Photos of him scrolling his phone while driving his Mercedes Benz while hanging out with Nigerian rapper Zoro Swagbag were posted on his social media.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s injury, which he sustained during the international break, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface, 23, participated in Nigeria’s matches during the recent international break, featuring in the 2-1 loss to Rwanda and the 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin.
On his return to Germany, the former Union SG forward missed Leverkusen’s training ahead of FC Heidenheim due to a thigh injury sustained while on international duty for Nigeria.
Manager Alonso has expressed his disappointment at this crucial time of the season but reassured fans that the Nigerian will return before the end of the year.
“It’s a shame, he has a small injury in his thigh muscles,” Alonso said, “We hope he can still play this year. We have to wait and see – but it won’t be for six to eight weeks.”
With Boniface sidelined, Leverkusen will rely on Czech striker Patrik Schick to step in as a replacement.
Alonso added, “He is always ready. We need him not just now, but always,” acknowledging Schick’s importance to the team during this period of uncertainty.
The English Premier League has had its fair share of star African strikers and there could be another addition if multiple clubs have their way in the January transfer window. 23-year-old Nigerian international, Victor Boniface, has been a revelation for German champions, Bayer Leverkusen.
Since joining from Belgian club, Union Saint-Gilloise, in 2023, Boniface has scored 18 goals in 29 appearances. He played a key role in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 Bundesliga-winning campaign, during which they completed theentire season without losing a single game.
After succeeding in the Norwegian Eliteserien with Bodo/Glimt, the Belgian Pro League with Union SG, and now the German Bundesliga, the elite level of the English Premier League is beckoning Boniface. However, his market value is rising by the week.
Which Premier League clubs are said to be mulling a move for Boniface in the New Year?
There are multiple clubs reportedly competing for Boniface’s signature. Manchester United are said to be pushing towards the front of the queue for Boniface. United are still searching for the right formula in the final third, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee still not appearing to complete the Red Devils’ goal scoring jigsaw puzzle.
Boniface is a different type of striker to both Hojlund and Zirkzee, both of whom are in the target man mould. Boniface is someone who is prepared to play on the shoulder of the last defender and work the channels too. He’s been a sensation for Leverkusen and would be the ideal option for any high-pressing side and system in the Premier League.
Chelsea are also said to be lurking, although the Blues are linked with almost every top player in European football due to their incessant spending in the last 18 months.
It’s difficult to see Chelsea needing another centre forward when you consider they already have the likes of Jackson and Nkunku in their ranks. Manchester United will have a much greater need, especially after their worst start to a season in Premier League history. The Red Devils have drifted out to 8/1 to clinch a top-four finish with Betano, one of themost reputable soccer betting sites in Nigeria, which could deter Boniface from putting pen to paper as Champions League football will be high on his priority list.
The problem for most other top European clubs is that Bayer Leverkusen have recently slapped an €80 million price tag on Boniface’s head. This will deter most clubs, apart from the Premier League Elite, PSG, and potentially La Liga’s two giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Interestingly, Boniface haspublicly confessed his preference of Spanish football over English football on multiple occasions in recent years. The issue for Boniface being that Barça are still anything but cash rich and, with Robert Lewandowski still leading the line, he’d be surplus to requirements. Similarly at Real Madrid, the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe would surely get the nod over the Nigerian, despite his undisputed class.
Subsequently, the Premier League feels like the only realistic move he can make right now. It would be interesting to see if Pep Guardiola and Manchester City showed any interest. City have precious little backup for star striker, Erling Haaland, with Boniface a powerful potential deputy.
Either way, Boniface has started the 2024/25 Bundesliga season where he left off in 2023/24, plundering four goals in his first six appearances this season. That’s despite Leverkusen suffering defeat on the opening day of the campaign. In fact, since then, Leverkusen have been the second top scorers in the league, thanks largely to Boniface’s contributions.
Boniface is contracted with Leverkusen until the summer of 2028, so the German champions are currently holding all of the aces regarding his future. With no release clause in the public domain or being leaked by agents, a club will need to stump up serious cash to snare him from Leverkusen’s clutches mid-season.
