Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has broken his silence on the failed transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, a move that had reached the final stages before suddenly falling apart.
In a recent appearance on the Culture League podcast, the Bayer Leverkusen star disclosed that the proposed €70 million deal was all but finalized—so much so that he had packed his belongings and prepared for a life-changing journey to the Middle East.
Boniface explained that he had already departed Cologne for Frankfurt, booked into a hotel near the airport, and was preparing to fly out. The anticipation was palpable. “I had given out my clothes, said goodbye to people, and even prayed over the move,” he revealed. But at the last minute, communication ceased, and the transfer was abruptly called off.
The reason? A sudden change in direction from Al Nassr, who reportedly shifted focus to pursuing Colombian striker Jhon Durán instead. The decision left Boniface blindsided.
Reflecting on the appeal of the Saudi offer, the 24-year-old admitted the financial package was too significant to ignore, especially given his history of injuries. “I’ve had serious injuries in the past—knee problems, missed games. I couldn’t risk being broke if something happened again,” he said. “The money on the table was crazy. It wasn’t just football anymore, it was about security.”
Boniface also touched on discussions with family members. Initially, there was pressure to consider offers from European clubs, including a Champions League side in Italy. But when his family saw the financial details of the Saudi deal, opinions changed quickly. “My brother was like, ‘Go to Italy, you’ll develop more.’ But once he saw the figures, he said, ‘Are you mad? You better go to Saudi!’” Boniface recounted with a smile.
The striker noted that the club itself had reasons to support the move. With Bayer Leverkusen set to earn a sizable fee, the German outfit was reportedly open to letting him go. “Sometimes it’s not just the player pushing for a move,” he said. “When clubs see that kind of money, they want it too.”
Though the Al Nassr deal fell through, Boniface’s future remains a hot topic. He hinted during the interview that his next move is already in motion, though he kept details close to the chest. “I’ve made my decision. We’re just waiting on the right time.”
Boniface continues to be one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards, and with interest from clubs like AC Milan still alive, another blockbuster transfer could be on the horizon.
