Chelsea get DISCOUNT on Nigerian superstar after failed Saudi move

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Mar 2025 12:22 CDT
4 min read

Bayer Leverkusen are looking to sell Victor Boniface this summer, according to German media.

Boniface is in the midst of a disappointing fall from grace. The Nigerian superstar was an undisputed starter for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen at the start of the season, but an injury and other issues have seen him lose his place.

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The 24-year-old was sidelined for two months in late 2024 and saw himself get overtaken by the perennially underrated Patrik Schick in the Werkself's No.9 pecking order.

When fit, Boniface has shown himself to be an eminently prolific and exciting player. However, he has had repeated injury struggles in addition to making negative headlines on and off the pitch.

Just a few weeks after getting into a crash crash, the striker was seen driving above the speed limit while on his phone, which naturally caused outrage at Leverkusen. More recently, Boniface had to be held back by players and coach Alonso after losing his head at teammate Emi Buendia.

© IMAGO - Victor Boniface and Emi Buendia

Leverkusen want Boniface out

Due to all of the above, Leverkusen are growing increasingly inclined to sell the Super Eagles star. They were ready to cash in on Boniface in January as Al-Nassr came calling, offering the club €70 million and the player a life-changing €15m per year salary.

However, the deal collapsed when the Saudi giants opted to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran instead. Boniface didn't sulk after failing to get his move, but his recent episode with Buendia has convinced Bayer that it's time for him to move on.

At least that is according to BILD, which claims that Leverkusen are looking to facilitate Boniface's exit by offering a discount on the striker. Rather than demanding €70m, they are now willing to sell for just €50m plus potential bonuses.

It was recently asserted that Chelsea would be ready to do 'whatever it takes' to sign the 24-year-old, but it remains to be seen if a move to Stamford Bridge is realistic. Liam Delap is thought to be the Blues' top priority, while Boniface's compatriot Victor Osimhen is a long-term target.

Moreover, Boniface openly admitted last year that a move to the Premier League does not interest him at all. He didn't entirely rule out a transfer to England but made it in no uncertain terms clear that he would prefer to stay in Germany or head to Spain.