Xabi Alonso confirms striker Victor Boniface set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen's head coach, Xabi Alonso, confirmed that Victor Boniface will continue with the Bundesliga club, following the Nigerian striker's absence from the Champions League match against Sparta Prague amid speculation regarding a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia.

After recovering from an injury, Boniface was available but remained on the bench during Leverkusen's 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig, coinciding with reports from German media linking him to a move to Saudi club Al Nassr.

He subsequently missed training prior to Leverkusen's 2-0 victory over the Czech team on Wednesday.

"He will resume training tomorrow. I am confident he will remain with us," Alonso stated to the press after the match.

"I must express my satisfaction; I am pleased. He feels at home here, so I do not think this situation is causing him significant stress."

The Nigerian forward has netted eight goals in 15 matches across all competitions. Last season, he was the club's top scorer, tallying 14 goals in 23 league games, and played a crucial role in helping Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title.

Boniface's continued presence at Leverkusen may facilitate a transfer for Aston Villa's Jhon Duran to Al Nassr, as the Colombian forward is also being considered by the Saudi club, which aims to enhance its attacking lineup that already includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.