Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has expressed confidence that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will remain competitive in the team despite almost moving to Saudi club Al Nassr in January.
Boniface was set to join the Saudi Pro League side on a lucrative €15 million-per-season deal, but the transfer fell through at the last moment. Instead, Al Nassr opted to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán in a €77 million deal, including add-ons.
Having recently recovered from a thigh injury, Boniface has returned to action for Leverkusen, playing in their last three matches and scoring twice. He started two of those games, including a 75-minute appearance in a goalless draw against Wolfsburg on Saturday. Alonso has backed him to compete for a starting spot against in-form striker Patrik Schick, who netted 14 goals during Boniface’s absence.
“These things happen,” Alonso told the Bundesliga website. “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.”
Boniface had an impressive start to the season before his injury in November, scoring six goals and providing one assist in his first 10 Bundesliga games. He missed 14 matches due to the injury but made a strong return by scoring against Hoffenheim and netting the winner in a cup clash against Koln.
The 23-year-old joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20 million and recently extended his contract until 2029, making him one of the club’s highest earners. In his debut season, he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances.
