Xabi Alonso confirms Victor Boniface's Bayer Leverkusen continuity
Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso has revealed that Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface will be re-integrated back into the team following a breakdown in his proposed move to Saudi Arabia despite recently signing a contract extension until 2029, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Al-Nassr showed concrete interest in his acquisition, sending in an official bid that the German club accepted but they backed off during the final stages in favor of a move for Aston Villa's Colombian forward, Jhon Duran.
Alonso made this known after Leverkusen's victory against Sparta Prague in their final UEFA Champions League group stage match. This win secured Leverkusen's status as the sole Bundesliga team to directly qualify for the Round of 16.
"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.
"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.
"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."
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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