Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso: Victor Boniface set to stay
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has indicated that Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is set to stay at the club after a negotiated deal to join Saudi club Al-Nassr stalled shortly before the end of the transfer window.
Although Boniface started the current season well, with six goals and one assist in his first 10 Bundesliga outings, a hamstring injury and ensuing fitness issues kept him out of action through to mid-January. By this time, a deal had been negotiated for a winter move to Saudi club Al-Nassr - the home of Cristiano Ronaldo - and Boniface was all set to leave.
A late change of plan from the Saudi outfit means Boniface is now set to remain at Leverkusen, however, and battle it out with in-form centre-forward Patrik Schick for a place in Alonso's starting XI.
Watch: The best of Victor Boniface so far in 2024/25
In the wake of Leverkusen's 2-0 win over Sparta Prague on the final match day of the UEFA Champions League group phase - a result that made Leverkusen the only Bundesliga side to qualify directly for the Round of 16 - coach Alonso gave an update on Boniface's future at the club.
"My information right now is that he is staying with us," said the Spaniard, for whom Boniface bagged 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches across all competitions in 2023/24 as Leverkusen won a league-and-cup double and reached the Europa League final. "I'm satisfied, I'm happy."
Watch: 2023/24 Rookie of the Season winner - Victor Boniface
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Should Boniface end up staying at Leverkusen, will the emotional rollercoaster of the scuppered move - have a negative effect on him? Not according to Alonso.
"These things happen," said the Bayer boss. "We spoke before this transfer window began. He was open to the idea of a transfer, but he's happy here. That's why I don't think it will be a big stress for him. He'll switch back in his head and accept the idea that he's staying here. He'll see his situation positively and fight for his position in the team."
Right back to business
That fight starts right away, with the reigning Bundesliga champions preparing for Saturday's Matchday 20 clash at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday 1 February.
"Victor will start training again tomorrow," continued Alonso, after confirming that the club is no longer looking to make any attacking signings in the winter transfer window. "All going well, he will be back in the matchday squad."
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