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Victor Boniface’s romance with Al Nassr in the January window has made Bayer Leverkusen strengthen their efforts to keep current stars

Bayer Leverkusen narrowly avoided losing star striker Victor Boniface in the January transfer window after a potential move to Al Nassr fell through.

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Now, with Boniface set to stay, the Bundesliga leaders are shifting their focus to securing the futures of manager Xabi Alonso and playmaker Florian Wirtz, both of whom are in high demand.

Boniface stays despite Al Nassr interest

Boniface, who played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s domestic double-winning campaign last season, was close to joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia before the deal collapsed, with the club opting for Jhon Duran instead.

Despite his recent injury struggles, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has welcomed the Nigerian striker’s continued presence at the club, reassuring that there is no pressure for him to leave.

“He will train again tomorrow. I believe he is staying with us. So I have to say that I am satisfied; I am happy.

“He is comfortable here, so I don’t believe that this is a big stress for him. He is comfortable here,” Alonso said.

Despite missing 12 games through injury this season, Boniface repaid Alonso’s faith in him with a goal on his first start since regaining full fitness.

Leverkusen determined to keep Alonso and Wirtz

With Boniface staying put, Bayer Leverkusen are now working to secure the futures of two other key figures—head coach Xabi Alonso and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Both are being linked with moves away, particularly to Real Madrid, but the club remains optimistic about retaining them.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed that Leverkusen are in discussions to keep the duo beyond the summer, saying, “We feel we have chances to keep Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz at the club beyond the summer.

“Both have contracts and feel comfortable. New deal for Wirtz? We still need to clarify some details.”

However, with Leverkusen currently fighting for back-to-back Bundesliga titles, the club hopes their success will convince both to stay and continue their journey together.