Two years on from touchdown Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Professional League could possibly be again with a bang.
The massive-spending Center Japanese league is seeking to make one other main attacking switch this January and it could possibly be one which leaves Premier League followers disenchanted.
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talkSPORT’s Saudi correspondent Ben Jacobs studies that Ronaldo is about to be joined at Al Nassr by one of many Bundesliga’s brightest skills – Victor Boniface.
That doesn’t imply his switch is a foregone conclusion because the SPL and Al Nassr additionally need Aston Villa’s star striker Jhon Duran.
Duran has been one of many tales of the season in English soccer having develop into an unstoppable supersub with a shocking array of long-range objectives.
Signed in 2023 from Chicago Hearth, the 21-year-old Colombian impressed sufficient to draw curiosity from Chelsea in his first season, however this January had been all about one other London membership.
talkSPORT understands that West Ham have bid £40million and £57m for Duran this month, and regardless of the Hammers being unsuccessful, Saudi dealmakers haven’t been delay the participant.
And so they’ve had some success too, with Jacobs including that Duran has agreed phrases and talks are on over a charge.
Within the unlikely occasion each are signed, one could possibly be allotted to a different Saudi Professional League membership.
Boniface, in the meantime, regarded set for an extended and profitable profession in Germany, however is now on his means out of Bayer Leverkusen for €60m (£50m).
The 24-year-old Nigerian was Leverkusen’s high scorer in all competitions final season, netting 21 objectives as they solely misplaced a single match – the Europa League closing.
Changing into Bundesliga champions for the primary time and DFB Pokal winners, Leverkusen haven’t had the identical unstoppable type, however stay within the title hunt and look set to go deep within the Champions League.
Taking the burden up entrance have been Patrik Schick with 17 objectives and Florian Wirtz with 14, whereas Boniface is down on eight.
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He additionally missed a prolonged stint on account of a automobile accident in October, but only a month later a video appeared on-line of him texting whereas driving.
Commenting on the matter, head coach Xabi Alonso stated: “In fact driving whereas in your cellphone isn’t allowed.
“It’s not good and it shouldn’t occur. I haven’t seen Boni but however he is aware of. Now we have to inform him that it’s not right behaviour, it’s not allowed.”
Boniface remained out of the workforce and hasn’t performed for Leverkusen since November, having twice been left on the bench after returning to the squad in January.
With their age and pedigree, each he and Duran may fill an enormous celebrity hole in Saudi with the world’s most expensive-ever footballer, Neymar, departing Al Hilal after simply 18 months.
With studies that he’s set to return residence to Santos the place his profession started, Neymar confirmed his departure on social media, writing: “To everybody at Al Hilal, to the followers, Thanks!!
“I gave all the things to play and I want we loved higher instances on the pitch collectively… To Saudi, thanks for giving me and my household a brand new residence and new experiences.
“I now know the actual Saudi and have associates for all times. I at all times felt your love and fervour for the sport.
“I can be following your journey forward as a membership and a rustic in the direction of 2034. Your future can be unimaginable, particular issues are occurring. And I’ll at all times assist you!!!”
Neymar options in simply 5 out of a potential 59 video games for Al Hilal on account of damage with the aspect profitable 4 trophies, together with the Professional League.