Fenerbahce Table €40M Bid for Victor Boniface as Nigerian Star Hints at National Team Exit

 

Turkish football powerhouse Fenerbahce has made waves in the transfer market with a bold €40 million bid for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, currently on the books at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. This move, if successful, could become one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer and mark yet another chapter in the long-standing relationship between Nigerian footballers and the Istanbul-based club.

Boniface, 23, emerged as a standout performer for Leverkusen during the 2024/25 season. Despite suffering multiple injury setbacks, his influence was undeniable, contributing critical goals and assists as Xabi Alonso's men stormed to their maiden Bundesliga title. The striker’s power, technical finesse, and eye for goal turned heads across Europe, earning him praise and prompting interest from top clubs across the continent.

The German outfit, fully aware of Boniface’s soaring value, reportedly slapped a €50 million price tag on their prized forward earlier this week. Fenerbahce, undeterred by the hefty valuation, responded swiftly with a €40 million offer—an audacious proposal from a club keen to restore its dominance in Turkish and European football. Negotiations between the two clubs are believed to be ongoing, with the Turkish side hopeful that their offer, backed by lucrative personal terms for the player, could tilt the balance in their favor.

Sources close to the deal suggest that Fenerbahce is prepared to make Boniface one of the highest-paid players in their history. The club, fresh off a disappointing domestic campaign, sees the Nigerian as the ideal spearhead for a restructured attack under incoming manager José Mourinho. His arrival would also mark a continuation of the club’s tradition of welcoming Nigerian stars, a list that includes Jay-Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Emenike, and Joseph Yobo.

Amid the growing transfer speculation, Boniface sparked further headlines with a cryptic social media update. Posting on his personal Twitter account, the striker hinted that his days with the Nigerian national team might be numbered. “Might have played my last game for Nigeria,” he tweeted, prompting a flurry of reactions from fans and pundits alike.

The post has thrown up numerous questions about the striker’s relationship with the national team setup. Boniface’s international career has been something of a rollercoaster. Despite his club success, his time with the Super Eagles has been marked by limited opportunities, selection controversies, and most recently, frustrations with team management and medical staff.

Analysts suggest the striker’s growing disenchantment could stem from how his injuries were handled during national team duties. Others point to a lack of playing time at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, where Nigeria reached the final but Boniface saw minimal action. Whatever the cause, the timing of his tweet—just as transfer rumors intensify—adds further intrigue to his already eventful summer.

Fenerbahce, meanwhile, appears undistracted by the off-field noise. Club officials are reportedly confident they can close the deal swiftly and bring Boniface to Kadiköy before pre-season training begins. With UEFA Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, Mourinho is said to be keen on assembling his preferred squad early.

Should Boniface finalize his move to Turkey, he would not only become one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history but also a marquee name in the Super Lig, a competition increasingly attracting top-tier talent. His dynamic style and high-intensity approach are expected to complement Mourinho’s tactical vision—potentially setting the stage for a resurgence in both domestic and European competitions.

Fans of both clubs now wait with bated breath. Leverkusen supporters hope to retain their rising star for at least another season, while Fenerbahce faithful dream of seeing Boniface don the iconic yellow-and-navy stripes.

As the saga unfolds, the football world watches closely—not just for the outcome of a high-profile transfer, but also for what the future holds for one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards.

Victor Boniface thinks he can get into our head with this message. Dude, you're representing over 200m Nigerians and you think it's a joke? Victor Osimhen will fake injury for you to have some matches but you won't make it count. Focus on your club side. Football is a serious biz pic.twitter.com/5DZnLpEyye

— Nwafresh 🍥 (@Nwafresh) June 6, 2025