Alonso confirms Boniface in talks to leave Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Tuesday striker Victor Boniface is in talks to leave the club in the current transfer window.

Sky Germany have reported Boniface, 24, is set for a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, for a transfer fee in excess of 50 million euros ($52 million). 

Boniface arrived in Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for 20 million euros. 

He has scored 29 goals and laid on 11 assists in 49 matches for the club, but has not played since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty in November.

The Nigeria striker missed training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague. 

“There are discussions with the club and we need to wait. We’re preparing without Boni,” Alonso told reporters Tuesday.

“We will see. We need to wait a bit more but our preparation is with the rest of our squad who are ready and fit and in good shape at the moment. 

“It’s the last Champions League game and that’s our focus.”

Alonso revealed Leverkusen were “getting close” to signing more players during the winter window and added: “I’m very satisfied with the squad and with our quality… and will be (at the end of the window).”

In Boniface’s absence Patrik Schick has returned to form for Leverkusen with 13 goals in his past nine league games. 

Schick said Tuesday a possible Boniface departure “doesn’t change very much… I’ve always been focused on myself and I’m not looking at anyone else.

“I’ll keep going like I have and whether Victor is here or not.”

The 29-year-old Schick came through the youth system at Sparta Prague and said with a smile he was looking forward to some extra attention from the visiting fans.

“It will be fun — I expect them to insult me from the stands.”