By Godwill Odilu
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso dropped a bombshell on Tuesday, confirming that star striker Victor Boniface is in talks to leave the club during the current transfer window.
Reports from Sky Germany suggest the 24-year-old Nigerian is heading to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he could team up with Cristiano Ronaldo, in a deal worth over €50 million ($52 million).
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for €20 million and quickly became a key player, scoring 29 goals and providing 11 assists in 49 matches.
However, he hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty in November. His absence has been felt, but Leverkusen has managed to stay competitive thanks to the resurgence of Patrik Schick.
Speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague, Alonso revealed that discussions about Boniface’s future are ongoing.
“There are discussions with the club, and we need to wait. We’re preparing without Boni,” he said.
The manager emphasised that the team’s focus remains on their final Champions League group-stage game, adding that Leverkusen is close to making new signings in the winter window.
In Boniface’s absence, Patrik Schick has been in red-hot form, scoring 13 goals in his last nine league games.
The Czech striker, who came through Sparta Prague’s youth system, brushed off questions about Boniface’s potential departure, saying, “It doesn’t change very much. I’ve always been focused on myself, and I’ll keep going like I have.”
Schick also joked about the reception he expects from Sparta Prague fans, saying with a smile, “I expect them to insult me from the stands.”
If Boniface leaves, Leverkusen will lose a dynamic forward, but Alonso remains confident in his squad’s depth and quality.
The club is reportedly close to bringing in reinforcements, and with Schick firing on all cylinders, Leverkusen’s ambitions in both the Bundesliga and Europe remain intact.
Victor Boniface’s potential move to Al-Nassr marks another high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabia, but Leverkusen’s ability to adapt and thrive without him speaks volumes about their resilience.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on how Alonso’s side navigates this transition – and whether they can keep their impressive season on track.
