Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has opened up about the emotional and dramatic collapse of a proposed transfer from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr. The 23-year-old Nigerian star, who had already agreed personal terms and passed his medicals, was moments away from joining the club of global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo before the deal fell through in the final hours.
Speaking candidly on The Culture League podcast, Boniface detailed the behind-the-scenes events leading up to the unexpected U-turn, revealing how close he came to sealing the lucrative switch—and the emotional toll it took when it all unraveled at the last moment.
A Dream Deal in Sight
Boniface, one of Africa’s brightest young attacking talents, was on the verge of signing a three-year contract with Al Nassr, a deal that would have reportedly seen him earn a staggering €45 million across its duration. The transfer would have positioned him alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the heart of a team pushing to dominate both Saudi and Asian football.
All the major elements of the transfer appeared to be in place: Bayer Leverkusen had reached a club-to-club agreement with Al Nassr, and Boniface had successfully completed his medical assessments. The Nigerian international had also agreed personal terms, and his move was considered a done deal by insiders—until a sudden twist.
Despite all the progress made, Al Nassr made a late pivot, opting instead to sign Colombian striker Jhon Duran from English Premier League side Aston Villa.
Boniface: “I Was Ready to Go”
For Victor Boniface, the disappointment was personal and profound. He had already taken steps to prepare for life in Saudi Arabia, including giving away many of his personal belongings to friends back home in Nigeria.
“I was ready to go. I packed my bags. I live in Cologne—we drove to Frankfurt,” Boniface revealed during his appearance on The Culture League podcast.
“The money is a lot, to be honest,” he admitted. “Most of my designer clothes and shoes, I had already given them out to my friends at home. The flight was waiting. I was in my hotel room praying for the deal to happen, but it didn’t work out last minute.”
The emotional honesty in Boniface’s account has resonated with many fans, particularly those in Nigeria who have followed his meteoric rise from obscurity to top-tier European football.
The Allure of Saudi Football
Boniface’s near-transfer highlights the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League for top African and European talents. With clubs like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad offering enormous financial packages and high-profile teammates, many footballers are beginning to view the Middle East as a viable alternative to Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
The Nigerian forward’s potential partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo would have been a major talking point, as it would have marked the blending of African youth with legendary experience on one of the world’s fastest-growing football stages.
For Boniface, the move could have represented not just financial security, but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside one of the most iconic figures in world football.
Focus Returns to Leverkusen
With the deal now off the table, Boniface is set to return his full attention to Bayer Leverkusen, where he had an impressive 2024/25 season. The dynamic forward played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s strong domestic campaign, forming part of an exciting attacking trio under manager Xabi Alonso.
Boniface has previously been linked with other top European clubs, and while the failed move to Al Nassr may sting, it is unlikely to be his last opportunity for a big transfer. In fact, his performance in the upcoming Bundesliga season could further raise his profile, especially if Leverkusen continues their resurgence.
Fans React to the Collapse
The Nigerian football community has rallied around Boniface since news of the failed transfer broke. Many fans have praised him for his openness and maturity in sharing the story, while others have expressed frustration over the last-minute nature of the collapse.
“This shows how unpredictable football is,” said one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “One minute you’re packing your bags, the next it’s over. We’re proud of you Boniface—bigger moves are ahead!”
Others noted that Boniface’s honesty was refreshing in a sport where players often remain silent about transfers. “He’s shown heart and humility. Saudi Arabia’s loss is Leverkusen’s gain,” another user commented.
A Lesson in Resilience
In an industry often dominated by glamour, flashy announcements, and high-stakes negotiations, Victor Boniface’s story serves as a reminder of the human side of football. Behind every big-money move is a player who dreams, plans, and hopes—only to sometimes be met with disappointment.
Still just 23 years old, Boniface’s journey is far from over. The striker’s ability to handle such a setback with dignity and openness speaks volumes about his character and mental strength. Many in the football world believe that even bigger opportunities are still ahead for the Super Eagles forward.
What’s Next for Boniface?
As the summer transfer window continues, speculation may yet arise about other interested clubs. While Al Nassr may have pulled back, other European or Middle Eastern clubs could view Boniface as a prime target before the deadline.
For now, though, the Nigerian will remain focused on pre-season training and building on his impressive form with Bayer Leverkusen. With the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) looming, Boniface will also have his eyes set on leading Nigeria’s attack and cementing his place as one of the continent’s top strikers.
By Africa Live News
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