Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface’s potential Saudi move

Tosin Oluwalowo
6 Min Read

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the impending move of Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface from German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano created a storm on Monday when he reported that Al Nassr were looking to bring the 24-year-old forward to the Middle East. The news came just a week after Boniface signed a contract extension with Leverkusen until 2029.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1883871856043999720?s=09

Romano has since provided further updates, stating that Al Nassr are in advanced negotiations with Leverkusen. He also reported that Boniface missed training ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Sparta Praha and that the Nigerian striker is open to the move.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1884225928278233464?s=09

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso all but confirmed the speculation when he addressed the press ahead of the UCL game.

“There is this situation, and I understand that. There are discussions with the club,” Alonso said.

“We have to wait. We’re preparing for the game without Boni, of course.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move
Alonso

A move to Al Nassr would see Boniface link up with global football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, who both made the switch from Europe to the Saudi club. The Saudi Pro League has become a destination for high-profile players in recent years, with several former European stars now plying their trade in the Middle East.

The league boasts names such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Neymar and Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq, though he recently left for Ajax), and Marcelo Brozović (Al Nassr). Many of these players left major European leagues for lucrative contracts, a trend that has divided opinions among football fans and pundits alike.

Boniface’s situation mirrors that of fellow Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who was in the same position just a transfer window ago. Last summer, Osimhen rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Napoli before eventually securing a loan move to Galatasaray. His decision was widely praised as a commitment to competition over financial gain, and many fans are now calling on Boniface to follow a similar path.

Boniface’s possible move to Saudi Arabia has sparked a heated debate. While some believe the transfer is a step backward for the young striker’s career, others argue that financial security should be his priority.

For many, the decision reflects the growing influence of money in football. One fan, @peterparkerjnr, questioned the move, saying, “Boniface skipping training? Feels like Bayer Leverkusen might already be losing control of the situation. A talent like him leaving for the Saudi Pro League raises questions about priorities—money over competition?”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

Another fan, @Kolish_, echoed the sentiment, advising players to think long-term about their careers. “If it ever gets to your turn, choose competition over money!” he wrote.

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

However, not everyone sees the move as a bad idea. Some believe that players coming from humble beginnings should prioritize financial gains when opportunities arise. @catchthesee put it bluntly: “What growth? Most players coming from nothing see growth as money, and he’s about to get it.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

Still, concerns linger over how the move might affect Boniface’s career trajectory. @1solanacoin warned that switching to Al Nassr could derail his development, saying, “Moving to Al Nassr could slow down Boniface’s growth, even with the big paycheck.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

The comparison to former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, who moved to China at a young age and never fully regained his European prominence, also came up. @iamwhitecrypto advised Boniface to reconsider, stating, “Don’t know why these guys prioritize money. Going to Saudi at this age is disastrous for Victor. Let him ask Oscar what happened to his career after he left Chelsea for China that year.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

Many fans are simply disappointed, feeling that Boniface had the potential to move to a top European club instead. @_Kingbazi expressed frustration, saying, “I’m so surprised there was so much hype about this lad. He could have moved to any top club, but I guess not everyone is in football for the love of the game—just filling their pockets.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

Others accused him of greed, pointing out that there are many clubs in Europe that could offer good wages. @Juiceke remarked, “There are many clubs in Europe that can pay him decently, bro. It’s just greed.”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

On the other hand, some fans defended Boniface’s decision, arguing that he has every right to maximize his earnings. @Le_Mar_Mou countered, “You’re talking like he’s getting paid minimum wage. He’s earning millions a year.”

Another fan, @StvrDenzel, took it even further, calling out critics who failed to support Boniface in his early years. “Those saying he’s too young to move to Saudi—I hope y’all are the same people who took care of him while he was still in Africa and sponsored him to achieve his dreams of becoming a professional footballer???”

Secure the bag or stay? Reactions trail Boniface's potential Saudi move

As negotiations progress, the debate rages on. Will Boniface chase European glory, or will he secure the bag in Saudi Arabia? The football world eagerly awaits his decision.

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