Victor Boniface’s AC Milan Move Collapses Over Injury Concerns
Victor Boniface’s anticipated transfer to AC Milan has fallen through, with reports from Germany confirming that the Rossoneri have withdrawn from the deal due to concerns about the striker’s injury record.
The Nigerian forward had travelled to Italy for medicals over the weekend but is now set to return to Germany.
Milan sporting director Igli Tare admitted on Saturday that while Boniface’s ability was not in doubt, the club wanted to carefully assess his fitness before committing.
“We knew that he had problems in the past, we are evaluating everything as planned with regards to the health and fitness of the player.
“His qualities are undoubted. We are just trying to make the right decision for this situation,” Tare said.
Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, later confirmed to BILD that the move had collapsed. “If he comes back (to Leverkusen), the Milan deal will be over. It’s no big secret,” he stated.
Milan’s concerns reportedly centered on Boniface’s medical history, which includes two ACL injuries on the same knee during his time at Bodo/Glimt, as well as recurring muscular problems that limited his appearances in the last two seasons at Leverkusen. According to BILD, the striker underwent four separate medical examinations in Italy before the decision was made.
The collapse is particularly disappointing given that both clubs had already agreed on the structure of the deal: a €5m loan fee with a €24m option to buy.
Boniface is now expected to rejoin Leverkusen unless another club makes a move before the transfer window closes.
