Agent Reveals Victor Boniface Was Deemed Not Ready for Israeli League

Football agent Roi Daniel has revealed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, now a star for Bayer Leverkusen, was once offered to a top Israeli club but was rejected because he was considered not "mature" enough. Daniel, who previously served as spokesperson for Maccabi Haifa and CEO of Bnei Netanya, transitioned to sports agency work with a focus on integrity and player welfare.

Daniel explained that his agency, which scouts young African talent, offered Boniface to an unnamed Israeli team when he was still an unknown player. The club hesitated, ultimately passing on Boniface, who went on to play for Union SG before his lucrative transfer to Bayer Leverkusen for 22 million euros. Boniface later became a key player for Leverkusen, helping them win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, and reaching the Europa League final.

In another anecdote, Daniel shared that a highly regarded foreign coach was close to signing with a major Israeli club but withdrew his interest due to security concerns. The coach's decision was solidified when an air raid siren sounded during a video call Daniel was having with him from the stands of the cup final at Bloomfield Stadium, prompting players to rush off the field.

Daniel also discussed the challenges of the agent profession, including dealing with unrealistic demands from players' families and the constant travel. He highlighted positive working relationships with clubs like Slavia Prague, while noting that some Israeli clubs attempt to negotiate deals with unrealistic expectations, comparing them to wanting a Mercedes at a Subaru price.