Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been excused from training as a potential transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr draws closer.
The 24-year-old, whose contract with Leverkusen runs through 2028, joined the Bundesliga side in the summer of 2023.
However, he may be on the move to the Middle East after missing training ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
If the transfer to Al Nassr goes through, Boniface will join high-profile teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic.
Boniface, who previously played for Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt, made the switch to Leverkusen from Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023.
Photo by Getty images
During his debut season, he was instrumental in Leverkusen’s success, helping the club win the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup in 2024.
He netted 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side.
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However, a hamstring injury in November, along with ongoing fitness issues, has limited Boniface to 15 appearances this season, in which he has scored eight goals.
Patrik Schick has since emerged as Leverkusen’s first-choice striker, netting 17 goals in 25 games.
Boniface’s last appearance for Leverkusen came on November 9 against VfL Bochum.
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On the international front, Boniface has scored one goal in 11 appearances for Nigeria but missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.