Nigerian Super Eagles star player Victor Boniface has revealed he was on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in January after receiving a €15 million-per-year offer, but the deal fell through at the last moment.
The Nigerian striker, who currently earns around €2 million annually at Bayern Leverkusen, admitted the proposed salary was simply too tempting to ignore, especially given his injury history.
Speaking on The Culture League podcast, Boniface said:
“I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career. If I can get two or three seasons [in Saudi Arabia]… the money was a lot. I agreed to the offer.”
He added that Leverkusen were also prepared to sell after receiving a €70 million bid from Al Nassr:
“It wasn’t just about me , the club wanted the money too.”
According to the 23-year-old, his bags were packed, designer clothes given away, and a private plane was on standby.
“I was ready to go… but at the last minute, it didn’t work out.”
Al Nassr eventually turned to Colombian forward Jhon Durán, signing him from Aston Villa instead.
Boniface has since returned to fitness and remains a key figure for Bayern Leverkusen as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
