Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has seen his anticipated move to AC Milan collapse after undergoing four separate medical tests in Italy. The Rossoneri pulled out of the deal due to concerns about the Bayer Leverkusen star’s fitness and long medical history. Though he was in Milan over the weekend for evaluations, the forward has since returned to Germany, leaving uncertainty over his next career step.
Milan sporting director Igli Tare admitted that the club was fully aware of Boniface’s previous injuries but insisted they needed to make the best decision for both parties. “His qualities are undoubted,” Tare said. “We are just trying to make the right decision for this situation.” Despite an agreement with Leverkusen worth €5m for a loan and €24m as a future purchase option, the deal collapsed.
Leverkusen’s sporting chief, Simon Rolfes, also confirmed that the transfer was effectively over once Boniface returned to Germany. “If he returns, the Milan deal will be finished. It’s no secret,” Rolfes stated. His comments signaled the end of negotiations despite the player’s eagerness to move to Serie A.
The setback largely stems from Milan’s concerns over the striker’s injury record. Boniface has suffered two cruciate ligament tears on the same knee during his time with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, in addition to several muscle injuries that have sidelined him at Leverkusen over the past two seasons. These recurring setbacks left Milan hesitant to proceed with the deal.
This marks the second failed transfer attempt for Boniface this year. In January, he was strongly linked with a €60m move to Saudi giants Al Nassr, but that deal was abandoned as well. Now entering his third season at Leverkusen under new manager Erik Ten Hag, the 24-year-old forward still has three years left on his contract after joining from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20.5m. His future remains uncertain as doubts linger over his long-term fitness.