Why my Saudi move failed – Victor Boniface

Nigeria and Bayer 04 Leverkusen attacker, Victor Boniface, has explained what caused his failed move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league during the January transfer window.

The Super Eagles striker joined the German club in 2023, and immediately scored 21 goals and providing nine assists in his first season to help Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles.

Boniface struggled in the second season in Germany even as he did so with the Super Eagles, a situation attributed largely to injuries. But then with a bang Al Nassr who also has Cristiano Ronaldo offered the Nigerian striker a huge financial incentive to make the crossover.

“I’ve never played football for money. I love football, but there was a time I considered it,” the former Union Saint-Gilloise forward said in a round table discussion with Webek Studios.

“I’m still young, and I’ve faced a lot of injuries. In the winter transfer window, I received a great offer from Saudi Arabia, so I was considering the injuries and the assurance of longevity, given what my body has been through.

 “So I wanted to go to Saudi Arabia to play two or three seasons. I started calling family, and people were already calculating the amount I’d earn if the move happened. The money was a lot.

“I called my elder brother, and I explained the situation to him, revealing I had offers from Saudi Arabia and Italy, and he told me to move to Italy.

“A few minutes later, he found out about the Al Nassr offer, and he reached out and told me I need to go to Saudi Arabia immediately.

“I agreed to the deal because it wasn’t just about me, it was about the club as well, they wanted the money, about €70m.

“I packed my bags and was ready to go. We drove to Frankfurt. I’d already given my clothes and shoes to my friends because I thought I’d be making a lot of money.

 “Eventually, it didn’t happen because Al-Nassr opted for someone else, but that’s the only time in my career I’ve thought about money. I love football.”

Al Nassr opted to sign Aston Villa’s John Duran in the final minutes of the transfer window for €77m, to end Boniface’s hopes.

Boniface continues with Leverkusen under new coach Erik Ten Hag formerly of Manchester United.