Victor Boniface transfer to AC Milan fails after medical

The highly anticipated transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface to AC Milan has hit a major stumbling block, primarily due to lingering concerns over the forward’s right knee.

The 24-year-old attacker, who had already undergone his medical examinations in Italy and was on the verge of sealing his move, now faces uncertainty. According to multiple reports from Italy, the Milan medical team flagged an issue during the thorough checks, which has forced the Serie A giants to seek a reassessment of the financial terms. AC Milan reportedly approached Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface’s current club, in an attempt to renegotiate the deal, requesting a reduction while simultaneously evaluating other striking options.

Italian outlets further reveal that AC Milan’s hierarchy is expected to make a definitive call within the next 24 hours on whether to proceed with the deal or walk away. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Boniface has already returned to Germany and is currently back at Bayer Leverkusen, awaiting Milan’s final verdict following the weekend’s medical assessments.

AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare admitted the club is treading carefully, stressing that while Boniface’s footballing qualities are unquestionable, the medical red flags cannot be overlooked.

In his words:
“We are reviewing Victor Boniface’s medical results thoroughly. His talent and footballing skills are top-notch, but we must take the right decision in the club’s long-term interest. Together with coach Max Allegri, we will make the final call very soon.”

Why did the Victor Boniface–AC Milan deal collapse?

The move ultimately collapsed because Boniface failed his medicals. The examinations revealed fresh concerns with his right knee, an area where the Nigerian has suffered serious injuries in the past. Notably, he has undergone two ACL surgeries on that knee, and doctors concluded it has not fully recovered to 100% capacity. This made the investment too risky for AC Milan, who decided to pull the plug on the transfer. Consequently, Boniface is heading back to Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen’s valuation of Boniface

The Bundesliga outfit had placed Boniface on the market under a proposed €5 million loan fee with an additional €25 million option to buy.

AC Milan’s next steps

With Boniface’s deal off the table, AC Milan are now swiftly shifting focus towards alternative options. One of their main targets is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with negotiations likely to intensify before the closure of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Boniface’s medical history has raised red flags. A few weeks ago, AS Roma reportedly rejected a potential swap deal involving the Nigerian and Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk, citing the same fitness concerns.

Roma’s medical department expressed doubts about Boniface’s durability after he missed several matches last season due to recurring muscle problems, leading them to decline Leverkusen’s proposal outright.

In summary, while Boniface’s quality as a forward is undisputed, his injury record—particularly the recurring knee issues—has once again proven to be a decisive barrier, derailing what could have been a blockbuster Serie A transfer.