AC Milan’s acquisition of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has been met with caution in Italy, with concerns raised over his injury history ahead of the new Serie A season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Rossoneri sealed a season-long loan move for the 24-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen, with an option to buy for €30m. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport has questioned the deal, highlighting the forward’s history of fitness setbacks.
Boniface suffered two cruciate ligament injuries during his time at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in 2019 and 2020. His struggles continued in Germany, missing three months in early 2024 with an adductor problem before being sidelined again later that year for 12 matches due to a thigh injury. “Whether his spell at Milan will be successful depends mostly on luck and fitness,” Gazzetta concluded.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on Thursday, revealing on social media that Boniface’s agent travelled to Italy to finalise talks after Milan and Leverkusen reached an agreement. Football Italia also reported that Milan turned their focus to Boniface after dropping interest in Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund, with the Nigerian giving the green light to join.
Despite his setbacks, Boniface remains a proven goalscorer. He netted 11 Bundesliga goals last season as Leverkusen finished runners-up to Bayern Munich, bringing his overall tally to 32 goals in 61 appearances for the German club.
Milan, who endured a disappointing domestic campaign last season, will be hoping Boniface provides the firepower needed to revive their attack at San Siro.