Sports

Boniface’s move to Al Nassr off as Saudi club set to sign Duran for €77m

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have ruled out the signing of Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.

Boniface will remain with the Bundesliga champions after Al Nassr decided not to complete the transfer.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed this in a post on his X account on Thursday morning.

Romano wrote: “Bayer director Rolfes confirms Victor Boniface-Al Nassr deal is OFF.

“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay.

“He feels comfortable here, his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”

Romano further revealed that Al Nassr have however decided to sign Jhon Duran from Premier League side Aston Villa.

He stated: “Jhon Duran to Al Nassr, here we go! Story from earlier tonight confirmed as documents are being prepared.

“Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons, long term deal accepted by Duran.

Emery: Aston Villa won’t sell Watkins to Arsenal

“Medical booked tomorrow and then he will travel to Saudi right after ✈️🇸🇦”

Boniface had earlier passed his medical check-ups ahead of his anticipated move to Al Nassr.

Boniface, 24, was expected to join Al Nassr for €60 million.

On Tuesday, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that negotiations were progressing between the two clubs, with Boniface at the centre of the deal.

This comes just a week after Boniface extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2026, raising questions about the sudden transfer.

Boniface joined Leverkusen in July 2023 for €20.5 million, and his impact has been nothing short of impressive.

Despite a thigh injury that kept him sidelined since November, Boniface scored eight goals in 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

His 14 goals in 23 league matches helped Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title, an achievement they managed without losing a single game.

The Nigerian forward’s stellar performances also earned him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, with Boniface winning the monthly prize on four occasions.

The Star

Segun Ojo

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