Sawt Falasteen - Leverkusen's Boniface 'happy' despite failed Saudi move

Boniface was left out of training and one matchday squad in January while Leverkusen were set to receive up to 70 million euros ($73.50 million) from Saudi side Al-Nassr, according to German media.

Instead, the Saudi club signed Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran for a reported fee of 77 million euros.

Boniface, 24, returned to training with the defending Bundesliga champions and has scored two goals in three games, including an extra-time winner in Leverkusen's German Cup quarter-final win against local rivals Cologne.

Rolfes said on Friday that Boniface was fully focused and did not feel his chance of a big money move had passed.

"He's very good now and I think he's happy. He's happy with the guys. That's what I feel every day when I see him.

"He's laughing in the locker room with the other crazy guys.

"They have a lot of fun together and he knows he has a bright future, so it's not a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Rolfes, who brought Boniface to the club in the summer of 2023, did not comment on the reported transfer fee or salary, but said it was "normal" for a player and a club to consider big offers.

"He likes the club, the teammates, our ambitions, but for sure when it's a certain amount in salary the player also starts thinking about it and I think that's normal and there was never a problem."

"Sporting-wise, we have no doubt about his quality," Rolfes said, adding "Xabi (Alonso), myself and the club, we wanted to keep Victor but for a certain amount you have to be open to speak."

Leverkusen, who qualified directly for the Champions League last 16 and are through to the final four of the German Cup, host league leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Q.Jaber--SF-PST