Victor Boniface’s move to AC Milan is in doubt after the Nigerian striker underwent three medical tests on Friday, with a fourth scheduled for Saturday. The 24-year-old, who was key in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win, has a history of cruciate ligament injuries, and Milan want full guarantees on his fitness before completing the loan deal with option to buy.
After his highly anticipated transfer to Al Nassr collapsed in January due to medical concerns, Victor Boniface now finds himself once again at the center of uncertainty, this time regarding a potential move to AC Milan.
The 24-year-old Nigerian striker, who has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football over the past two seasons, underwent three separate medical examinations in Italy on Friday. However, Milan’s medical staff remained unconvinced by the results and have scheduled a fourth and even more thorough evaluation for Saturday.
This situation has placed the entire transfer operation in a delicate position. Boniface, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign, had been identified by Milan as a prime target to reinforce their attack. Following Olivier Giroud’s departure to Major League Soccer, Milan’s management, under the leadership of CEO Giorgio Furlani and head coach Paulo Fonseca, has been searching for a reliable striker who can combine physical strength with technical ability and clinical finishing. Boniface, who scored crucial goals in both the Bundesliga and Europa League, perfectly fit the profile.
Yet the doubts over his physical durability continue to overshadow his immense talent. The Nigerian forward has already suffered two serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries earlier in his career, setbacks that not only stalled his progress but also raised long-term concerns about his ability to maintain fitness at the highest level. While his performances last season in Germany appeared to silence those doubts, Milan’s medical department is unwilling to take any risks without absolute certainty.
The Rossoneri had negotiated a deal with Bayer Leverkusen on favorable terms: a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. This structure was designed to limit Milan’s financial exposure while still giving them the chance to secure a striker who could potentially transform their attacking play. However, even under these conditions, the club is insisting on watertight guarantees before committing.
For Boniface, this is a frustrating situation. The Nigerian international has worked tirelessly to rebuild his career after each injury setback, and his breakout season in 2023/24 was widely regarded as proof of his resilience. Not only did he play a decisive role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten run to the Bundesliga title the first in the club’s history but he also showed leadership qualities and a knack for scoring in high-pressure situations. His ability to hold up the ball, link play, and finish clinically seemed to make him the perfect fit for Milan, who have often struggled with consistency in the striker position since Zlatan Ibrahimović’s retirement.
The transfer saga also highlights Milan’s cautious approach in the current market. Having faced criticism in past seasons for investments in players with questionable fitness records, the club’s medical and technical staff are aligned in their insistence that no move should proceed unless Boniface can prove his physical reliability. The decision to schedule a fourth test underlines how thorough they intend to be. Reports in Italy suggest this final examination will include more specialized assessments, possibly focusing on the stress resistance of his knees and overall muscular balance, areas that are critical for a striker who relies heavily on explosive sprints and physical duels.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen are monitoring the situation closely. The German champions are not desperate to sell Boniface remains under contract and is still valued by manager Xabi Alonso, who played a key role in his development. However, the striker’s camp has made it clear that he is eager to take the next step in his career, and the opportunity to join a club of Milan’s stature is understandably appealing. For Leverkusen, the loan structure proposed by Milan ensured that they would not lose out financially if Boniface returned to form, but any collapse of negotiations could complicate squad planning ahead of the new season.
For AC Milan fans, the saga is proving nerve-wracking. Many supporters were excited about the possibility of seeing Boniface lead the line at San Siro, envisioning a partnership with Rafael Leão on the left flank and Christian Pulisic on the right a trio that could combine power, speed, and flair. However, the memories of past transfer disappointments, particularly deals that fell apart at the medical stage, serve as a reminder that nothing is certain until the final paperwork is signed.
In Nigeria, the situation is also being followed closely. Boniface is viewed as one of the most promising strikers of his generation, and his move to Milan would further enhance the growing reputation of Nigerian footballers in Europe. With Victor Osimhen already a star at Napoli, the possibility of Boniface joining Serie A would have been another major storyline for Nigerian fans. Instead, his immediate future hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcome of Saturday’s crucial tests.
If he passes, Milan will likely proceed with the transfer, welcoming a striker who has the potential to become a cornerstone of their project for years to come. If he fails, however, the Rossoneri will be forced back into the market in search of an alternative, and Boniface will face another painful setback in a career already marked by resilience in the face of adversity.
One thing is certain: the next 48 hours will be decisive, not just for AC Milan’s transfer window but also for Victor Boniface’s career trajectory.
