Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said on Wednesday that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is expected to remain at the club following an imaginable move to Saudi Arabia.
Boniface had been left out of the squad in Leverkusen’s arrangements for their 2-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Alonso said on Tuesday it was due to talks with an unnamed club.
German media reported that the negotiations were with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays and a payment of €70 million ($73 million).
“He will exercise tomorrow. I think he stays with us,” Alonso said when asked about Bonifacio after the win over Sparta. “So I have to say that I’m satisfied, I’m happy. “
Alonso said Boniface can play opposite TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday, adding: “She’s comfortable here, so I don’t think it’s a big strain for him. “
The obvious cave of an imaginable bonifacio move may remove an obstacle to moving to Saudi Arabia for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. He has also connected with Al Nassr and was an unused replacement in Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic on Wednesday.
Boniface has played since November due to injury but had been on the bench for Leverkusen’s last two games before Wednesday.
Leverkusen signed midfielder Emiliano Buendia from Villa earlier on Wednesday.