AC Milan’s Pursuit Of Victor Boniface Faces Delay As Medical Doubts Emerge, Loan Deal Hangs On Striker’s Fitness Clearance

 

The much-anticipated transfer of Victor Boniface to AC Milan has taken a dramatic turn, with the deal now resting entirely on the results of additional medical examinations scheduled for this weekend. The Nigerian striker, currently contracted to Bayer Leverkusen, was expected to finalize his move to Italy without much fuss after both clubs reached full agreement on financial terms. Yet, concerns over his history of recurring injuries have left Milan hesitant to complete the signing until a clean bill of health is secured.

Club officials in Milan are leaving nothing to chance. The San Siro giants, who have struggled in recent seasons with key players spending long stretches on the sidelines, are cautious about committing to a striker with such a troubling medical history. The decision to put Boniface through another round of examinations highlights the club’s determination to safeguard their investment and ensure he can withstand the rigors of Serie A. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that the forward will undergo detailed checks on Saturday, and only if he passes will the deal move forward.

The arrangement between Milan and Leverkusen is clear-cut. Boniface is set to join on loan with a €25 million purchase option written into the agreement. That figure could climb as high as €30 million if bonuses tied to performance are triggered. Leverkusen, meanwhile, would collect a €5 million loan fee regardless of whether Milan later activates the option to buy. For the German side, it represents both a lucrative short-term gain and the possibility of a significant permanent sale.

Boniface has demonstrated on many occasions that he possesses the talent and physical profile to succeed at the highest level. His two years in the Bundesliga yielded 22 goals in domestic league action, and his aggressive style of play made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Yet those numbers also come with a caveat. During the same period, he missed 26 league fixtures, underlining the recurring theme of his career: flashes of brilliance punctuated by long spells in the medical room.

The Nigerian striker’s fitness issues are not new. Before his move to Germany, he endured two separate ACL tears while playing for Bodø/Glimt in Norway. Despite battling back from those devastating setbacks, his reputation as an injury-prone player has followed him throughout his career. More recently, a proposed switch to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia collapsed earlier this year for the very same reason, leaving him to continue with Leverkusen until Milan reignited their interest.

Boniface remains under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, giving the German champions security as they negotiate. The club has no urgent need to sell, and their willingness to sanction a loan rather than a straight transfer reflects both caution and pragmatism. They will still benefit financially from the arrangement while giving Milan the chance to assess whether the player can remain fit enough to justify a long-term commitment.

From Milan’s perspective, the potential acquisition of Boniface is both a gamble and an opportunity. The Rossoneri need additional firepower to complement their attacking options and to compete effectively both in Serie A and in Europe. Boniface, when fully fit, has the attributes to lead the line with strength, pace, and technical skill. However, Milan supporters and executives alike know all too well the risks involved in signing a forward who has yet to put together an extended run of injury-free seasons.

Medical examinations will ultimately decide the outcome. Should Boniface be cleared without issues, the deal will represent a major coup for Milan, who will have secured one of Europe’s most promising strikers at relatively controlled financial terms. If, however, lingering concerns are identified, the transfer could fall apart just days before completion. That would be a bitter disappointment for the player, who has made no secret of his desire to test himself in one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues.

As Saturday approaches, both clubs and their supporters are left waiting for the final word from the doctors. A green light will likely see Boniface unveiled in red and black, while a negative assessment may send him back to Leverkusen to continue a career defined as much by resilience as by raw talent.

The coming days could shape the trajectory of Victor Boniface’s career. Milan are ready to welcome him, but only if his body can meet the demands of the next chapter. For the striker, this moment is yet another test of endurance, one that may determine whether he takes a defining step into the Italian game or faces another frustrating delay.