Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface’s proposed transfer to AC Milan has collapsed after medical concerns and opposition from head coach Massimiliano Allegri forced the Rossoneri to walk away from the deal.
The Nigerian international looked set for a sensational switch from Bayer Leverkusen to the San Siro in a move structured as a €5 million loan with a €30 million option to buy. Boniface had already agreed personal terms, and Milan had even reserved the iconic No.22 shirtonce worn by Brazilian great Kaká for his unveiling.
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The deal began to unravel during routine medical checks in Milan. After initial tests at the Centro Ambrosiano, Boniface was referred to the Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, where specialists flagged issues with his right knee.
According to Italian journalist Marco Guidi of Gazzetta dello Sportthat the knee was “not 100% fit,” adding that while Milan considered renegotiating the loan terms, the medical doubts were significant. “The problems in the medical exams are confirmed,” Guidi said.
Further complicating matters, AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri was reportedly unconvinced about the transfer. Despite the admiration of Milan directors—including Igli Tare—for Boniface’s Bundesliga displays, Allegri raised concerns about the striker’s long-term fitness and reliability given his injury history.
Respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Boniface returned to Germany after 48 hours in Milan, awaiting a final decision. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri later revealed that the Rossoneri had opted against signing the 23-year-old after consultations with their medical staff.
The hesitation stems from Boniface’s lengthy injury record. He has suffered two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in his career, along with recurring groin problems during his time at Leverkusen.
With the Milan deal off, Boniface has returned to Bayer Leverkusen. However, his future remains uncertain as new Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag is not believed to have him in his long-term plans, potentially limiting his game time this season.
For now, Boniface faces the task of regaining full fitness and proving his value, either at Leverkusen or elsewhere, as he looks to reignite his career after a setback in what could have been a career-defining move to Serie A.
