Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso said Victor Boniface will stay with the Bundesliga club, following the Nigerian striker’s absence from their Champions League match against Sparta Prague, which sparked speculation about a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Boniface made his return from injury on Saturday, yet he remained on the bench during Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig, following reports in German media that linked him to a potential transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
He was subsequently excluded from training prior to Leverkusen’s 2-0 Champions League victory against Czech team Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
“He will train again tomorrow. I believe he is staying with us,” Alonso told reporters after that win.
“So I have to say that I am satisfied, I am happy. Victor Boniface is comfortable here, so I don’t believe that this is a big stress for him.”
The 24-year-old has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions. Last season, he netted 14 goals in 23 league appearances to finish as their top scorer and played a pivotal role in securing Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title.
Victor Boniface staying at Leverkusen could open the doors for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran to join Al-Nassr instead.
The Colombian forward is also a reported target for the Saudi club, who are looking to bolster a frontline that already features Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
