Reports emerged on Monday, according to Fabrizio Romano, suggesting that Saudi Arabian club <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al Nassr</a> had initiated negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Nigerian striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/victor-boniface/">Victor Boniface</a>. The possibility of this transfer appears increasingly likely, fueled by Boniface’s absence from training and statements from Bayer Leverkusen.



Boniface missed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bayer-leverkusen">Bayer Leverkusen</a>‘s training session on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League match against Sparta Prague. Bayer 04 subsequently confirmed to Sky Germany that the player was “in talks regarding his future,” adding fuel to the transfer speculation. This confirmation from the club itself lends significant credibility to the rumors, further suggesting that a transfer is a strong possibility.



Al Nassr is reportedly willing to pay a significant fee for Boniface, with Leverkusen demanding a transfer fee exceeding €50 million. This highlights Al Nassr’s financial strength and their determination to strengthen their squad. The substantial amount involved further confirms the seriousness of their interest and their determination to sign the player.



Boniface joined Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian club Union SG in 2023 for a fee of €22 million. In just over a year, he has already made a significant impact, scoring 29 goals in 49 appearances. This impressive goal-scoring record is attracting significant interest from other clubs, making him a valuable asset in the current transfer window.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250128_WST_550993_Boniface-1200x675_e583686f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-550996" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/28084528/Boniface.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo’s influence and the importance of personal terms</h2>



Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo played a role in initiating Al Nassr’s interest in Boniface. Ronaldo’s strong relationship with Al Nassr director Fernando Hierro reportedly led to a recommendation for Boniface as a potential attacking partner. 



This highlights the influence of Ronaldo within the club’s decision-making process and the importance of his opinion in shaping the transfer strategy. Securing Boniface as a teammate is a high priority for Ronaldo.


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Reports from Germany indicate that Boniface is receptive to a move to Saudi Arabia to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. This positive indication significantly increases the likelihood of the transfer, showing that there are positive personal considerations driving this potential transfer. The mutual interest between the player and the club makes a transfer seem increasingly probable.

Leverkusen's Boniface skips training for talks on his future linked to Al Nassr

Boniface misses training due to 'conversations about his future': Potential move to Ronaldo's Al Nassr - World Soccer Talk

Boniface's absence from Leverkusen training: Discussing future amid Al Nassr speculations

Boniface misses training due to ‘conversations about his future’: Potential move to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

destacadas

Since the start of the winter transfer window, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al Nassr</a> had reportedly set their sights on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/casemiro/">Casemiro</a>. However, with Anderson Talisca nearing a move away from the club, Al Nassr appears to be shifting their focus, putting an end to their pursuit of the Brazilian midfielder.



Casemiro has struggled for playing time at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. The Portuguese manager’s arrival has seen the midfielder relegated to the bench, with only six appearances and 11 instances as an unused substitute. A move to Saudi Arabia seemed like an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate Casemiro’s career, but those hopes now seem to be fading.



According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr has initiated official talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/victor-boniface/">Victor Boniface</a>. Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is also being considered as an alternative, though his transfer fee is reportedly higher than that of the Nigerian forward.



Meanwhile, Fenerbahce has announced an agreement with Al Nassr for the transfer of Anderson Talisca. The Brazilian forward is set to fly to Istanbul to undergo a medical before finalizing his move. His departure leaves Al Nassr with a striker vacancy, pushing the club to prioritize adding firepower to their attack instead of strengthening their midfield with Casemiro.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250127_WST_550879_Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-1200x675_548676c7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-550884" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/27123910/Victor-Boniface-Bayer-Leverkusen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Why is Casemiro out of Al Nassr plans?</h2>



At the beginning of January, reports indicated that Al Nassr was willing to make Casemiro one of the Saudi Pro League’s top-five highest-paid players. However, their focus on signing a new striker has effectively ruled out Casemiro, not due to financial constraints but because of foreign player restrictions.


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The Saudi Pro League limits teams to 10 foreign players per squad. Following Talisca’s departure, Al Nassr currently has nine foreign players: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo, Otavio, Wesley, Aymeric Laporte, Mohamed Simakan, and Bento. Should Boniface join, the club would reach the maximum quota, leaving no room for Casemiro unless another foreign player departs.



With Talisca’s foreign player slot expected to be filled by a new striker, Casemiro’s chances of reuniting with Ronaldo at Al Nassr are slim. Unless another foreign player exits, the opportunity for the Brazilian midfielder to join the Saudi Pro League giants appears to be off the table.

Casemiro out? Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr reportedly drops pursuit after Talisca's departure

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr reportedly to drop Casemiro pursuit after Talisca's departure - World Soccer Talk

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr reportedly to drop Casemiro pursuit after Talisca's departure

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr reportedly to drop Casemiro pursuit after Talisca’s departure

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a> are reportedly targeting two Bundesliga strikers, Victor Boniface and Omar Marmoush, to strengthen their attacking options under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite having Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee in their ranks, both of whom have scored just once this season, the Red Devils believe they need further firepower up front.



According to Sky Germany, manager <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ruben-amorim">Amorim</a> plans to assess his attacking options before the January transfer window opens. 



Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani have also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Boniface and Marmoush are now also reportedly on the club’s shortlist.



Victor Boniface, a Nigerian international currently sidelined with injury, impressed for Bayer Leverkusen last season. Securing his services would require a substantial transfer fee, as his contract runs until 2028. Despite his current injury, his potential and past contributions could make him a valuable addition to Manchester United’s attack.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241125_WST_541290_Victor-Boniface-1200x675_f26f6870.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-541294" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Victor-Boniface.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Marmoush: Premier League interest intensifies</h2>



Omar Marmoush, an Egyptian international, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool previously showing interest. However, Manchester United could make a serious bid; if they offer Eintracht Frankfurt a fee in the €50-€60 million range, Frankfurt might be tempted to sell.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241125_WST_541290_Omar-Marmoush-1200x675_f2012c60.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-541295" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Omar-Marmoush.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Whether Manchester United will make any moves in the January transfer window remains uncertain. Both Boniface and Marmoush are key players for their respective clubs, meaning significant transfer fees will be needed to secure their services, and their clubs will undoubtedly be reluctant to let them go. The situation may well extend beyond the winter window.


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Ruben Amorim unhappy with Manchester United's attack: Targets two top Bundesliga strikers

Ruben Amorim unhappy with Manchester United's attack: Targets two top Bundesliga strikers - World Soccer Talk

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for its 2024 awards ceremony, set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco on December 16th. While the list showcases a range of talent across seven men’s categories, the absence of several high-profile players has sparked discussion.



The awards also recognize excellence in other categories, including Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Club of the Year, and National Team of the Year. 



The awards consider performances from January to October 2024, reflecting achievements across various club and international competitions.



The absence of several high-profile African players from the Player of the Year shortlist has raised eyebrows. Notably absent are Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Egypt, Sadio Mané of Al-Nassr and Senegal, and Victor Boniface, the prolific striker of Bayer Leverkusen who led his team to a historic undefeated Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241118_WST_540290_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-18-at-17.12.48_3ce907e4.webp&amp;width=490&amp;height=617" alt="" class="wp-image-540292" width="490" height="617" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-18-at-17.12.48.jpeg 569w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-18-at-17.12.48-238x300.jpeg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Player of the year nominees</h2>



The nominees for the coveted African Player of the Year award are: Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns). 



These players represent a diverse range of clubs and nations, highlighting the breadth of African talent on the global stage.



The Goalkeeper of the Year nominees are Andre Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire/Angers SCO), Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt/Al Ahly), Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria/Chippa United), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns). The diverse range of clubs represented speaks to the global impact of African talent.


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The omissions of Salah, Mané, and Boniface from the Player of the Year nominations have fueled debate regarding the selection criteria and the overall representation of African football’s top performers. 



The CAF Awards celebrate African football, and these absences prompt questions about the fairness and comprehensiveness of the selection process, raising important questions about the metrics used for nomination.

Without Salah, Mané and Boniface: The nominees for the African Player of the Year award

Without Salah, Mané and Boniface: The nominees for the African Player of the Year award - World Soccer Talk

One Premier League team is willing to set a new transfer record to get Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen’s star.



Based on his statistics from the current <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-the-bundesliga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Bundesliga</a> season, Victor Boniface is a force to be reckoned with in Europe. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/nigeria-national-team-tv-schedule">Nigerian</a> is among the league’s top attackers thanks to his goalscoring prowess and his important assists.



His ascent has been nothing short of spectacular since he joined Leverkusen this summer, leaving Belgium after just a year. With 10 goals in the first half of the season, the 23-year-old is leading the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso.



He is also becoming quite a name for himself. With him on the field, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayer-leverkusen-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Bayer Leverkusen</a> have been unstoppable, as they have won 13 of their 16 matches.



<h2>How has Victor Boniface fared this season?</h2>



Due to a groin injury, 23-year-old Boniface will not be able to participate in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">Africa Cup of Nations</a> with the Super Eagles. On the contrary, it has brought to light the highs and lows of his career thus far.



Boniface went back to Leverkusen on January 10 after the unfortunate event for surgery to fix muscle-tendon damage. Even though the injury is likely to be minor and will not last long, it has not deterred interested teams.



These days, Boniface is a hot commodity as teams all around Europe hunt for ways to upgrade their offensive lineups. According to rumors, the youngster has a number of potential suitors, including Chelsea and Arenal.



Now, new reports suggest that West Ham is also trying to use their ties to Bayer to their advantage in order to close a possible deal. With Jarrod Bowen out with an injury, the Englishmen are hoping to add a new striker this month.



<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/25432491/west-ham-transfer-newcastle-chelsea-leverkusen-victor-boniface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sun</a>, a British tabloid, claims that West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten is attempting to negotiate a contract with Leverkusen, his previous club. With their financial resources, the Hammers may make a huge move for an experienced striker. The report adds that it would have the full support of manager David Moyes.



<h2>Leverkusen willing to cash in?</h2>



If Boniface arrives at the London Stadium, Michail Antonio and Danny Ings—whom the Irons have long-term worries about—may both go. Because of their high salaries, an exit would be the most likely outcome.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="441" height="472" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240121_WST_484804_image-18_0cee4cad.webp&amp;width=441&amp;height=472" alt="" class="wp-image-484860" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/image-18.png 441w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/image-18-280x300.png 280w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px"></figure><figcaption>Rumors continue that Victor Boniface is moving to the Premier League</figcaption></figure>



With rumours of interest from French teams, Moyes may possibly agree to send Said Benrahma out as well later this month. His side has also made an unexpected move to sign striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as per other reports.



Duran has been subordinate to Ollie Watkins all season and is eager to get back into the starting lineup. &nbsp;However, rumor has it that Villa will pass on doing business for Duran unless a substantial offer arrives instead of a loan bid.



With Boniface’s five-year contract in place from his signing with Leverkusen in July, the BayArena executives do not need to sell. However, should a bidding battle break up, the player’s price may increase. Thus, the German outfit they may be ready to cash in on their acquisition and move on to a new player.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Laci Perenyi

EPL side aiming to sign Victor Boniface for record transfer fee

One Premier League team is willing to set a new transfer record to get Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen's star.

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Without Salah, Mané and Boniface: The nominees for the African Player of the Year award

Bayer Leverkusen

EPL side aiming to sign Victor Boniface for record transfer fee