Boniface reaffirms top-league commitment despite transfer talk

Victor Boniface, the Super Eagles striker playing for Bayer Leverkusen, has put to rest speculation about a summer move following stalled negotiations with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr.

Last month, Al Nassr appeared poised to seal a €60–70 million deal including medical tests and agreed fees before unexpectedly opting for another striker, Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán. Boniface was briefly sidelined from training and omitted from Leverkusen’s Champions League squad, hinting at uncertainty.

Yet the 24 year old has returned with conviction, rejoining training and scoring in recent Bundesliga fixtures, underscoring his commitment. “Transfer rumours are normal in football,” he asserted. “My focus right now is 100 % on Bayer Leverkusen,” adding that he intends to “give my best to the team.

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso echoed that sentiment, confirming Boniface’s return to training and expressing satisfaction at his decision to stay. Despite missing part of the season with a thigh injury, Boniface has already contributed eight goals and an assist in 15 appearances this campaign .

Signed in 2023 for around €20 million from Union Saint‑Gilloise, the Nigerian has been integral to Leverkusen’s double-winning season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 matches. He recently extended his contract through 2029. Leverkusen may reconsider should another lucrative offer arise, but for now, Boniface remains a key asset at the BayArena.

Editorial

We believe Boniface’s composure during this transfer saga highlights both personal integrity and professional maturity. When a major move appears close reported to exceed €60 million with medicals underway and then collapses, a player’s reaction can make or break their character. Boniface chose focus over frustration, illustrating a mindset steeped in resilience.

We appreciate Xabi Alonso’s measured response, publicly backing his striker and reintegrating him swiftly into the squad. That trust cements Boniface’s importance and signals to other stars that Leverkusen supports loyalty. It’s a message that stability can outweigh short-term financial gain.

We acknowledge the risks of prolonged speculation the disruption, doubt, potential dip in form but Boniface has responded with goals and professionalism. In an era of player power and fleeting loyalties, his conduct reinforces that club and player can pursue ambitions without compromising unity.

We urge Bayer Leverkusen to maintain this ethos: support your talents, fend off impulsive exits, and show that ambitious projects build value beyond transfer fees. Boniface’s renewed commitment underlines this principle when focus wins over frenzy, everybody benefits.

Did You Know?

1. Boniface stands at 1.90 m, making him one of the tallest forwards in the Bundesliga.
2. Before his move to Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022, he played for Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, helping them to back-to-back Eliteserien titles in 2020 and 2021.
3. He finished as UEFA Europa League top scorer in the 2022–23 season.
4. Boniface was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season for 2023–24 alongside a Bundesliga Team of the Season inclusion .
5. His senior Nigeria debut came on 10 September 2023 against Lesotho, where he provided an assist after coming off the bench.