Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is on the verge of a potential move to Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Nassr, as confirmed by his absence from team training. The 24-year-old Nigerian international, who is under contract until 2028, has been excused from training ahead of Leverkusen's crucial Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.
The potential transfer would see Boniface join an illustrious squad at Al Nassr, featuring global football stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic. This move would mark another significant transfer from European football to the ambitious Saudi Pro League.
Boniface's journey to this point has been noteworthy. After stints with Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, he joined Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. His impact was immediate and substantial, playing a pivotal role in the club's impressive treble-winning campaign. His contribution of 21 goals and ten assists in 34 games helped secure the Bundesliga title, German Cup, and German Super Cup under Xabi Alonso's leadership.
However, recent months have seen Boniface's influence diminish due to injury setbacks. A hamstring injury in November has limited his appearances to just 15 this season, during which he managed to score eight goals. In his absence, Patrik Schick has emerged as Leverkusen's primary striking option, netting an impressive 17 goals in 25 appearances.
The timing of this potential transfer is particularly notable as Boniface was forced to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. His international career with Nigeria has seen him score once in 11 appearances, though his last competitive appearance for Leverkusen dates back to November 9 against Vfl Bochum.
If completed, this transfer would represent another significant coup for the Saudi Pro League in its ongoing effort to attract top talent from European football, while potentially offering Boniface a new chapter in his promising career.
