The impending transfer of Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface to Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Nassr is possibly heading to the rocks according to lastest reports.
Al-Nassr have verbally agreed a transfer fee of €60m with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of the 24 year old, who have also agreed personal terms and passed a routine medical. Al-Nassr however place payment of the agreed transfer fee on hold.
Boniface who extended his deal secretly last week and got his wages increased to €6m per year till 2029 reportedly agreed €15m a year deal with the Saudis. Almost three times the worth of his present pay but still hasn’t been able to complete the move due to some reluctance on the part of Al-Nassr.
Per multiple reports, the club are actively chasing Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán and have already offered to pay a transfer fee in excess of €70m. A whooping €10m more than what they agreed to pay for the transfer of Boniface.
They also agreed to pay the 25 year old Colombian €18m a year, €3m more than what was agreed with Boniface. A sign that he is their priority signing with the Nigerian seen as a backup option.
French media Le’quipe says all that is left is for Dhuran to undergo a routine medical as both clubs have agreed on key details of the deal.
If it goes as expected, they could pull the plug on the verbal agreement with Boniface, as they have cash and space for only one major signing. In the event that both are signed Boniface will likely be loaned out to another team in Saudi Arabia.
An announcement on the way forward is expected to be made before the close of the transfer window in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. In the main time Boniface is in Germany waiting for instructions before flying to Saudi or staying put.
Daniel Martins