Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has lifted the lid on how an astonishing ₦80 billion move to Saudi giants Al‑Nassr collapsed at the eleventh hour. Despite agreeing personal terms for a three‑year contract worth €45 million, and stepping into a hotel in Frankfurt ready to fly out, the deal fell through when Al‑Nassr redirected their focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.
Boniface disclosed that while he had already disposed of his designer clothes and shoes in anticipation of life in Saudi Arabia, online speculation and family conversations played a crucial role in redirecting his path. “I had an offer from this Saudi team; I also had an offer from a top team in Italy,” he revealed on The Culture League podcast.
Initially craving Champions League football, Boniface’s brother reportedly nudged him toward Europe. The suggestion later flipped: “‘Someone sent me something… He saw the money…and told me I need to go to Saudi Arabia,’” Boniface recounted.
Ultimately, though personal terms and club agreements were in place, Al‑Nassr opted for Duran. Boniface said, “I was ready to go… The flight was waiting. I was in my hotel room praying… but it didn’t work out last minute”. Since joining Leverkusen in July 2023, he has contributed directly to 44 goals (32 goals, 12 assists), and has been linked with a possible summer switch to AC Milan.
Editorial
We recognise Victor Boniface’s near‑move to Al‑Nassr as more than just a transfer saga it’s a crossroads in his career. Presented with a financial windfall that could reshape lives, he paused to weigh prestige against payoff. That hesitation reveals maturity often absent in young players, signalling a man guided by both ambition and thoughtfulness.
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We understand why Champions League allure tempted him. Yet, the lure of Saudi riches, especially after injuries tested his career trajectory, triggered a family conversation—one reflecting deeper truths about football’s modern age money and legacy frequently collide.
We respect his club’s position too. Bayer Leverkusen, seeking €70 million, had every right to back their asset. Their stance reflects a strategic approach that safeguards both sporting and financial interests—a balancing act elite clubs must master.
We see this as pivotal. Staying in Europe potentially moving to AC Milan could sharpen his talents in a way Saudi football cannot. For Boniface, every decision now shapes not just his earnings, but his legacy. He’s shown he won’t be swayed solely by money. And if this is the standard he sets, his career will be driven by substance over spectacle. That choice speaks volumes.
Did You Know?
- Boniface has scored 32 goals and notched 12 assists in just over two seasons since joining Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023.
- He reportedly had initial offers from a “top Italian team”, believed to be AC Milan, at the same time as Al‑Nassr’s interest.
- His aborted move would have triggered one of the largest wage deals in Nigerian football history, at €15 million per season.
- Al‑Nassr eventually signed Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead of Boniface at the last minute.
