Victor Boniface Breaks Silence on Failed Transfer to Al Nassr, Reveals He Was Ready to Leave Bayer Leverkusen

 

Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has finally shared his side of the story on what could have been a record-shattering move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr earlier this year. The Bayer Leverkusen striker, currently one of Nigeria’s most promising football exports, revealed that the allure of a massive financial upgrade made the offer from Al Nassr nearly impossible to refuse. However, despite all preparations pointing to a done deal, the transfer collapsed at the last minute.

The winter transfer window of 2024 nearly became a career-defining chapter for Boniface, as he confirmed on a recent episode of The Culture League podcast. The forward disclosed that both he and his German club had reached an agreement with Al Nassr, who were reportedly ready to pay a jaw-dropping €70 million transfer fee to secure his services. For Boniface, the deal was also personal, as he stood to earn €15 million annually, a sharp leap from the €2 million he currently pockets in the Bundesliga.

Speaking candidly, Boniface reflected on the tempting offer and the real-life consequences of such a significant financial opportunity. He admitted that his history of injuries played a big role in his decision to accept the move. With professional football being unpredictable, especially for players who have faced fitness challenges, the promise of long-term security held serious weight.

“I have been injured so many times,” Boniface said during the podcast interview. “If I go and play two, three seasons… the money was a lot.”

His remarks shed light on the often overlooked personal considerations that go into such high-profile decisions. Boniface explained that it was not merely about chasing wealth, but also about considering the financial benefits for both him and his current club. Bayer Leverkusen, known for developing and flipping talent, were also tempted by the hefty sum offered by Al Nassr. From a business standpoint, the deal made sense for all parties involved.

He went on to reveal just how close he came to boarding a flight to Riyadh. Boniface described how he had packed his bags, distributed many of his personal belongings, including designer clothes and shoes, to friends, and even had a private jet waiting. Everything was lined up for a grand exit from Germany to the Middle East.

“I was ready to go,” he said with a tone that combined both conviction and disappointment. “I packed my bags, gave away my designer clothes and shoes to friends, the plane was waiting.”

Despite the preparations, things took an unexpected turn. At the eleventh hour, the deal unraveled. Al Nassr ultimately chose to sign Colombian striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, pulling the plug on what would have been one of the most lucrative moves for an African striker in recent memory.

Boniface did not disclose specific reasons for the breakdown but hinted that the decision was out of his control. For a player whose star is on the rise, and who has already drawn attention with his performances for both club and country, the failed move serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the football business can be.

Since then, the 23-year-old has refocused his energy on Leverkusen, hoping to help the team compete at the highest levels in both domestic and European competitions. While the missed opportunity might sting, especially considering the life-changing money involved, Boniface appears to be taking it in stride.

His maturity in addressing the situation is likely to boost his reputation further, both among fans and within the football industry. By opening up about the emotional and practical aspects of the deal, Boniface offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of professional transfers, where big numbers often overshadow the personal sacrifices and uncertainties players face.

Whether or not another such opportunity presents itself remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Victor Boniface has proven he can handle both the glamour and the setbacks of top-tier football with honesty and grace.