Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s much-anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan has officially collapsed after the player reportedly failed medical tests due to concerns over his previous knee injuries.
The 24-year-old, who had already travelled to Milan and underwent two rounds of medical assessments on Friday and Saturday, was set to join the Serie A giants on an initial €5 million loan deal with a €24 million buy clause.
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However, AC Milan pulled the plug after scans raised red flags over the long-term stability of Boniface’s right knee, which he injured twice between 2019 and 2020 during his time at Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt.
Leverkusen confirm deal is over
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that the negotiations were effectively dead, saying there was little chance of the deal being revived.
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“If Boniface comes back to Leverkusen, the AC Milan deal will be over. That’s no big secret,” Rolfes told BILD.
“Renegotiating the deal? I don’t think that will happen. His physical situation has improved compared to the beginning, but for now, he remains our player.”
Boniface is expected to return to Germany to resume training with Leverkusen as he continues recovery work ahead of the new Bundesliga season.
Medical concerns behind Milan’s decision
Sources within AC Milan revealed that the decision was not based on Boniface’s overall talent — which the club still highly values — but on the need to avoid long-term risk. Boniface’s medical flagged scar tissue and structural concerns in his right knee, prompting Milan to reconsider the deal despite previously having a verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen.
AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare also clarified that the club was being cautious, saying:
“There were no extra medicals. We knew about his problems in the past. We are evaluating everything as planned regarding the player’s health and fitness.
His qualities are undeniable. We are just trying to make the right decision for this situation.” He told DAZN Italia.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan could still revisit the striker market before the end of the summer transfer window and might even consider signing Boniface in the future if his condition stabilises.
Boniface’s Saudi Arabia move also fell through
This is the second major transfer setback for Boniface in 2025. Back in January, he came close to sealing a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he was expected to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, negotiations collapsed abruptly and another striker was signed by the Saudi club.
Since then, Boniface has remained on the radar of several Premier League and Turkish Super Lig clubs, with Bayer Leverkusen open to listening to offers that meet their valuation.
Included in Nigeria’s provisional World Cup Qualifiers squad
Despite the uncertainty around his club future, Boniface has been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 31-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Super Eagles are under pressure after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
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The team has drawn four of their six matches so far and sit in fourth place behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin.
With only four games left to play, the September fixtures could make or break the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
What next for Boniface
For now, Boniface is expected to remain with Bayer Leverkusen and continue building fitness ahead of the new season. While AC Milan may have walked away for now, multiple clubs across Europe, Saudi Arabia, and England are monitoring developments closely.
Whether he stays in Germany or secures a late summer transfer, Boniface’s future promises to remain one of the most closely watched stories of the ongoing window.
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