Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface. Photo Credit: Leverkusen/X
Victor Boniface won the Bundesliga and German Cup title with Bayer Leverkusen after joining the club in 2023 from Union SG
Victor Boniface’s hopes of sealing a move to AC Milan have collapsed after the Italian giants pulled out of the deal following concerns raised during his medical, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker travelled to Milan in midweek for a series of tests ahead of a proposed loan transfer.
However, medical complications were flagged during the examination, forcing the club to reconsider.
If the deal had been completed, Boniface reportedly would have won the jersey number 22 at Milan following the footsteps of Brazilian great Kaka.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Milan has made a final decision not to proceed, stressing that the information was “confirmed.”
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This is the second time in seven months that a transfer away from Leverkusen has broken down for Victor Boniface.
In January, the 24-year-old Super Eagles striker came close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in a deal worth around €70 million. The forward had already prepared to travel before the move was cancelled, with Al Nassr opting instead to sign Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
Milan had been eager to add firepower to their attack, with Boniface viewed as a strong partner for Rafael Leão and a possible complement to fellow Nigerian Samuel Chukwueze, who joined from Villarreal in 2023.
Leão had even welcomed the prospect of the Nigerian arriving at San Siro. But with the deal now off, Boniface will remain in Germany.
The striker is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028 and is expected to rejoin Erik ten Hag’s squad. The Dutch manager endured a difficult Bundesliga debut at the weekend, as his side slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim.
Nigeria’s Nathan Tella featured for Leverkusen, while compatriot Kevin Akpoguma appeared as a second-half substitute for the visitors.
For Boniface, the collapse of another high-profile move is a frustrating setback. Still, his presence offers Leverkusen much-needed depth as they look to recover from a stuttering start under Ten Hag.
Bayer Leverkusen will next make the trip to face Werder Bremen on Saturday, August 30.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.