Victor Boniface seems poised to leave Bayer Leverkusen and, although he was expected to join a Premier League club, he appears ready to make a move to Saudi Arabia on deadline day.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface is on the verge of a high-profile transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian striker has reportedly passed his medical check-ups ahead of his anticipated move, according to Sky Sport Germany. The 24-year-old has also reached a full agreement on salary and contract terms, with an annual net wage of €15 million.
The transfer is part of a significant €60 million deal between Al-Nassr and Bayer Leverkusen for Boniface.
Al-Nassr, currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League, is actively strengthening its squad, which already have football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Aymeric Laporte. The Saudi club has been searching for a top-class striker, with Boniface and Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán emerging as primary targets.
Boniface was excused from Leverkusen training on Tuesday as negotiations progressed. Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso confirmed the uncertainty, stating:
“Yes, there is this situation,” he said. “Talks are being held with the club. We have to wait and see.”
With Boniface potentially heading to Saudi Arabia, Leverkusen is already looking for a replacement. One of their top targets is Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, a highly rated 20-year-old also on the radar of West Ham United.
If the deal is finalized, Boniface will become the second-most expensive departure in Leverkusen’s history, behind Kai Havertz, who moved to Chelsea for €80 million in 2020. The coming days will determine whether Boniface seals his move or remains at Leverkusen.
Boniface’s Rise in European Football
Boniface’s journey in European football has been remarkable.
After excelling at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, he joined Leverkusen in July 2023 for €20.5 million and played a crucial role in their historic unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances.
His goal-scoring ability has been evident throughout his career, with impressive spells at Bodø/Glimt in Norway, Union SG in Belgium, and now Leverkusen in Germany.
Boniface’s debut season saw him win the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award after claiming the monthly prize four times in a single season.
This season, he has scored eight goals and had one assist in 15 games. The Nigerian striker has just recovered from a thigh injury that kept him sidelined since November 2024.
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