Victor Boniface’s proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed due to concerns over his injury history. The Nigerian international had previously undergone knee surgeries and missed significant time last season due to muscle problems. Milan has now turned their attention to Sporting CP forward Conrad Harder as an alternative, agreeing to a deal worth around €27 million.
Victor Boniface's anticipated transfer to AC Milan has reportedly collapsed due to concerns arising from his past injury record. The Nigerian international, currently contracted to Bayer Leverkusen, had been poised to join the Serie A giants on an initial loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer next summer. However, Milan's medical team flagged issues related to the striker's knee, leading to the deal's termination.
Boniface, speaking to publication Punch, addressed the failed move and criticisms surrounding his fitness, stating, "The move didn’t work out because of my past injuries. I had a knee injury twice on my right leg, and it has been there for a long time." The striker has undergone knee surgeries in both 2019 and 2020. He also missed a significant portion of last season due to recurring muscle problems, raising concerns about his long-term availability and reliability.
The collapse of the deal represents a blow for both Boniface, who was eager to test himself in Serie A, and AC Milan, who are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. Milan's pursuit of a striker has been well-documented, with several names linked to the club throughout the summer transfer window. Boniface appeared to be a promising option, given his impressive goal-scoring record for Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the setback, Boniface remains under contract with Leverkusen until June 2028. However, he has yet to feature for the Bundesliga side this season, fueling speculation that he is seeking a move away from the BayArena. During his time at Leverkusen, Boniface has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, netting 32 goals in 61 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were particularly crucial in the 2023-24 season, when he played a vital role in the club's Bundesliga title triumph under the guidance of Xabi Alonso. During that title-winning campaign, Boniface registered an impressive 21 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, including 14 goals in the Bundesliga.
Prior to the injury concerns, Boniface had been seen as a player with considerable potential, capable of making a significant impact in a top European league. His pace, power, and clinical finishing made him an attractive prospect for several clubs. However, his struggles with form and fitness last season resulted in a noticeable decline in his goal-scoring output, managing just 11 goals and two assists.
Following the breakdown of the Boniface deal, AC Milan have swiftly moved to secure an alternative target, reportedly agreeing to sign Sporting CP forward Conrad Harder for a fee of around €27 million. Harder is a highly regarded young striker who has impressed with his performances in the Portuguese league. He is known for his versatility, work rate, and ability to score goals from a variety of positions. Milan will hope that Harder can quickly adapt to Serie A and provide the attacking spark they need to challenge for honors this season.
This saga serves as a reminder of the risks involved in signing players with a history of injuries. While Boniface possesses undeniable talent, Milan's medical team clearly had reservations about his ability to stay fit and perform consistently at the highest level. The decision to pull out of the deal highlights the importance of thorough medical assessments in modern football, where clubs are increasingly wary of investing significant sums of money in players who may be prone to injury.
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— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 20, 2025