Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed on Tuesday that striker Victor Boniface is in talks to leave the club during the current transfer window.
According Sky Germany, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward is set for a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, for a transfer fee reportedly exceeding 50 million euros ($52 million).
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for 20 million euros.
During his time at the club, he has scored 29 goals and provided 11 assists in 49 appearances.
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However, he has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty in November.
The striker missed training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Sparta Prague.
“There are discussions with the club, and we need to wait. We’re preparing without Boni,” Alonso said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“We’ll see. We need a bit more time, but our preparation is with the rest of the squad, who are fit, ready, and in good shape at the moment. The focus is on the last Champions League game.”
Alonso also indicated that Leverkusen are “getting close” to adding more players during the winter window, stating, “I’m very satisfied with the squad and our quality… and I will be (at the end of the window).”
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In Boniface’s absence, Patrik Schick has been in excellent form, scoring 13 goals in his last nine league appearances.
The 29-year-old Czech forward commented on the potential departure of Boniface, saying, “It doesn’t change very much… I’ve always focused on myself and haven’t been concerned with anyone else. I’ll keep going as I have, whether Victor is here or not.”
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Schick, who began his career at Sparta Prague, also joked about the potential for extra attention from the opposing fans, saying with a smile, “It will be fun – I expect them to insult me from the stands.”
