Victor Boniface’s anticipated transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr has collapsed after the club decided to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran instead, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Saudi outfit secured the Colombian striker in a blockbuster €77m deal, including add-ons, effectively ending their pursuit of the Nigerian international.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations for Boniface had been progressing, with a Saudi delegation stationed in Germany since Monday to finalise terms.
⚫️ Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light. pic.twitter.com/rAyDoryssf
However, Al Nassr ultimately opted against completing the transfer, leaving Boniface’s move dead in the water.
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In a swift pivot, the Riyadh-based side turned their attention to Duran, securing an agreement with Aston Villa.
The 21-year-old forward has reportedly agreed to personal terms and is set to sign a long-term contract. His medical is scheduled for Thursday, after which he will officially join Al Nassr’s ranks, featuring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte.
Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, here we go! Story from earlier tonight confirmed as documents are being prepared.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons, long term deal accepted by Durán.
Medical booked tomorrow and then he will travel to Saudi right after ✈️ pic.twitter.com/m3SN6ots84
Victor Boniface’s future at Leverkusen
Al Nassr had initially opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Boniface, with the Bundesliga champions valuing him at around €50m.
In anticipation of the move, the Nigerian striker, who had been advised against moving to Saudi Arabia at such a young age, was excused from Leverkusen training earlier this week as discussions intensified.
Reports even suggested he had undergone a medical, signaling that the deal was nearing completion.
However, with Al Nassr pulling out at the last minute, Boniface now faces an unexpected situation.
The 24-year-old, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20m, recently signed a contract extension until 2029, making him one of the club’s highest earners.
He must now shift his focus back to the Bundesliga, where he will look to reclaim his place as the club’s first-choice striker under Xabi Alonso.
Boniface had a stellar debut season with Leverkusen, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances as the club clinched a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double.
This campaign, however, has been disrupted by injuries, with the Nigerian making just 15 appearances so far, netting eight goals before a thigh problem sidelined him in November 2024.
With his move to Saudi Arabia falling through, Boniface will now rejoin Bayer Leverkusen’s training sessions, refocusing on helping his club’s title defence in the Bundesliga and their European ambitions.
