Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has seen his proposed transfer to AC Milan collapse after undergoing four separate medical examinations in Italy, German outlet BILD reports.
Milan had reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for a season-long loan worth €5m, with a €24m option to buy. However, the Rossoneri pulled the plug on the deal due to concerns over the 24-year-old’s fitness and injury history.
Boniface, who travelled to Italy for medicals over the weekend, has since returned to Germany. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed that Milan’s interest is effectively over, saying: “If he comes back (to Leverkusen), the Milan deal will be over. It’s no big secret.”
Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare admitted the club had reservations: “We knew he had problems in the past. We are evaluating everything as planned with regard to his health and fitness. His qualities are undoubted; we are just trying to make the right decision.”
The doubts largely stem from Boniface’s injury record, which includes two cruciate ligament tears on the same knee during his time at Bodo/Glimt, as well as recurring muscular problems that sidelined him for long spells at Leverkusen over the last two seasons.
This marks the second collapsed transfer for the Nigerian forward in 2025, after a €60m move to Saudi club Al Nassr fell through in January despite an agreement in principle.
Boniface, who joined Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €20.5m in 2023, is now entering his third season in Germany under new head coach Erik ten Hag, with three years left on his current contract.