Al Nassr have ended their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, bringing an end to speculation over the Nigeria international’s proposed move to the Saudi Pro League.
Transfer expert and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed on Wednesday night that the deal had collapsed despite significant progress in negotiations between the two clubs.
Boniface had been left out of Leverkusen’s squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Sparta Prague amid discussions over his potential transfer to Al Nassr.
Victor Boniface to Al Nassr, 100 per cent off,
Plettenberg reported on X.
The deal has finally collapsed tonight, as Leverkusen boss Simon Rolfes confirmed.
Despite all verbal agreements and the completed medical check, Al Nassr have cancelled the deal with Boniface and Bayer 04. The delegation is returning to Saudi Arabia without Boniface.
Al Nassr have decided to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.
Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes had earlier confirmed that Boniface was expected to remain with the Bundesliga champions.
Following Leverkusen’s 2-0 victory over Sparta Prague, head coach Xabi Alonso also revealed that the striker would return to training.
He will train again tomorrow. I believe he is staying with us. So I have to say that I am satisfied, I am happy.
The Spanish tactician added that Boniface could be available for Sunday’s Bundesliga fixture against Hoffenheim.
He is comfortable here, so I don’t believe that this is a big stress for him.
Boniface has been sidelined since November due to injury but had returned to the Leverkusen bench for their previous two matches before Wednesday’s Champions League encounter.
With the proposed move to Al Nassr now off, the 23-year-old is expected to continue his career with Leverkusen as he works his way back to full fitness.
