Nigerian striker (BN24) – Victor Boniface revealed that he nearly completed a high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr during the January winter transfer window. The lucrative contract offered by Al Nassr, reportedly worth €15 million per year, was an offer the Bayer Leverkusen forward found impossible to decline.
Boniface, currently playing in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen on a €2 million annual salary, described the Saudi club’s offer as a significant financial upgrade that factored heavily into his decision-making. Despite his strong desire to move, the transfer ultimately fell through when Al Nassr decided to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.
Speaking on the popular podcast The Culture League, Boniface candidly shared his perspective on the near transfer. “I have been injured so many times, if I go and play two, three seasons…the money was a lot,” he said, highlighting the financial security the deal would have provided. He also stressed that the deal was not just about him but involved the club’s interests as well. “There was also the club, who were offered 70 million Euros, and they wanted the money,” Boniface explained.
The Nigerian striker added that he was fully prepared to join Al Nassr, having packed his bags and even given away his designer clothes and shoes to friends ahead of the move. “The plane was waiting,” he said, describing the moment when the transfer unexpectedly collapsed at the last minute.
Victor Boniface’s near transfer to Al Nassr underscores the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football clubs in attracting top international talent with highly competitive salaries. The striker’s candid remarks also shed light on the complex dynamics behind football transfers, where player ambitions, club finances, and last-minute decisions intersect.
Credit: Punching.com
