Disappointment For Boniface As Al Nassr Deal Collapses

Super Eagles star Victor Boniface’s move to Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr is off with the club now looking in the direction of Aston Villa striker, Jhon Duran.

He was left out of Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague after the club opened talks with Al Nassr for his signature.

According to reports in Germany, both clubs agreed a €60 million deal with Boniface due to receive €15 million net per season at Al Nassr.

The deal has now hit the rocks with transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano confirming that the deal is off, and Boniface is set to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

He wrote on X: “Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF. The Nigerian striker won’t join the club, the deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave the final green light.”

Similarly, A German Sport Journalist, Florian Plettenberg also revealed that the deal collapsed on Wednesday night despite the verbal agreement and the medical checks.

He wrote on X: Victor Boniface to Al-Nassr, 100 % off. Deal has finally collapsed tonight, as Leverkusen boss Simon Rolfes confirmed just a few seconds ago. Despite all verbal agreements and the completed medical check. Al-Nassr have canceled the deal with Boniface and Bayer 04. The delegation is returning to Saudi Arabia without Boniface. Al-Nassr have decided to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.”

Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso has also confirmed that Boniface is back in contention for selection, and he will stay at the club.

He said: “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.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes said the club is happy that Boniface is staying.

He said: “Boniface will train with the team again tomorrow. He is still a Bayer 04 player.

“The events have not led to him being sold. With certain sums of money, economic considerations naturally always play a role.

“The current situation is that he will most likely stay. We are happy about that.”

Boniface joined Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for 20 million euros.

He has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions. Last season, he netted 14 goals in 23 league appearances to finish as their top scorer and played a pivotal role in leading Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.

The 24-year-old will be expected to put the disappointment behind him when Bayer Leverkusen takes on Hoffenheim on Sunday in the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Jhon Duran is expected to complete his move to Al Nassr on Thursday.

He wrote on X: 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 for Thursday, and then he will travel to Saudi right after.”

The 21-year-old Colombian forward has scored seven Premier League goals in 20 appearances this season.

Earlier this month, West Ham had a £57m bid turned down for Duran.

He moved to Villa Park from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 but he started only seven of his 55 league appearances for Aston Villa.

Disappointment For Boniface As Al Nassr Deal Collapses is first published on The Whistler Newspaper