Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr will decide today, Wednesday, whether to finalize a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface or Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as they look to add a striker to their squad to replace Anderson Talisca, who is set to join Fenerbahçe.
Although Al Nassr and Victor Boniface have a verbal agreement in place, no deal has been completed yet, as the club is also pursuing a move for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.
According to The Athletic, Darwin Núñez was one of three striker targets for Al Nassr, but Liverpool turned down an approach from the Saudi club, as they are unwilling to let go of the Uruguayan, who has been deemed vital to Arne Slot’s project this season.
Boniface was absent from Bayer Leverkusen’s training session yesterday, having been excused to finalize his potential mega transfer to the Saudi club. If his move is completed this January, he would become the third-highest-paid player at Al Nassr.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles player has been phenomenal for the Bundesliga side, which currently sits behind Bayern Munich at the top of the league table. He has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 15 appearances for the club.
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. Last season, the Nigerian forward registered 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 games, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga campaign.
Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that if bids of around £80 million arrive for Duran and suit all parties, a move away from Villa Park would be possible. Earlier this month, West Ham United tabled a £57 million bid for the Colombian international.
Duran joined Villa from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in January 2023. Since arriving in England, he has scored 20 goals in 78 appearances. This season, he has netted 12 goals across all competitions for Villa in just eight appearances.
