As the Saudi Pro League seeks to enhance its standing on the global football stage, it is reportedly preparing for significant attacking signings this January, a move that may raise concerns among Premier League fans regarding a potential talent exodus. Ben Jacobs, a correspondent for talkSPORT, has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could soon be joined at Al Nassr by Victor Boniface, one of the Bundesliga's most promising forwards.
However, Boniface's transfer is not a foregone conclusion, as Al Nassr is also keen on securing Aston Villa's standout striker, Jhon Duran. The Colombian has made a name for himself this season as an exceptional supersub, celebrated for his stunning long-range goals. Duran, who joined Villa from Chicago Fire in 2023, has attracted interest from several elite clubs, including Chelsea, and now appears to be a target for another London side.
Reports from talkSPORT indicate that West Ham United has made attempts to acquire Duran, submitting offers of £40 million and £57 million this month. Despite these bids being unsuccessful, Saudi negotiators remain undeterred in their pursuit of the player. Jacobs further notes that Duran has reached an agreement on personal terms, with discussions regarding a transfer fee still ongoing. Should both Boniface and Duran make the move to Al Nassr, it is conceivable that one of them could be loaned to another club within the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, Boniface has been enjoying a fruitful spell at Bayer Leverkusen and is now potentially available for a fee of around £60 million (€50 million). The 24-year-old Nigerian was Leverkusen's top scorer last season, netting 21 goals and playing a pivotal role in the team's impressive campaign, which saw them suffer only one defeat—an unfortunate loss in the Europa League final. Although Leverkusen has enjoyed success in winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, their form has been somewhat inconsistent this season, yet they remain competitive in the title race and are expected to perform well in the Champions League.
This season, while teammates Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz have taken on more of the scoring responsibilities, Boniface has encountered difficulties, managing only eight goals and struggling with injuries. His absence from the squad has been particularly felt following a car accident in October that sidelined him for an extended period. In November, a video emerged showing him using his phone while driving, prompting head coach Xabi Alonso to address the issue, stating, "Of course driving while on your phone is not allowed. It's not good and it shouldn't happen. I haven't seen Boni yet but he knows. We have to tell him that it's not correct behaviour, it's not allowed." Since returning to fitness in January, Boniface has been named on the bench twice but has not featured for Leverkusen since November.
Both Duran and Boniface have the potential to fill the void left by Neymar, who departed Al Hilal after a brief 18-month spell. The Brazilian confirmed his exit via social media, expressing gratitude to the club and its supporters: "To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans, thank you!! I gave everything to play and I wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together... To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences." Despite featuring in only five out of a possible 59 matches due to injury, Neymar’s tenure at Al Hilal coincided with the club's success, including four trophy wins, most notably the Pro League title.
As the Saudi Pro League continues to attract attention, the potential signings of Boniface and Duran could mark a significant step in its ambition to compete with the elite leagues of Europe, while also highlighting the growing allure of the league for top talent.