Victor Boniface’s Move to AC Milan Reportedly Off – What Happened and What It Means
Transfers in soccer can be really exciting. Fans wait all summer to see if their favorite team will sign a big player who can score goals, defend like a wall, or create magic passes. But sometimes, a deal that looks almost done can suddenly fall apart. That’s what happened with Victor Boniface, a Nigerian striker who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany’s Bundesliga. He was very close to joining AC Milan, one of the biggest clubs in Italy. He even traveled to Milan for his medical tests. But now, the deal is reportedly off – at least for the moment.
So what exactly happened, and why is Victor Boniface’s transfer not going through? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Who is Victor Boniface?
Victor Boniface is a 24-year-old Nigerian forward who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. He is known for his physical strength, good finishing, and ability to hold the ball up for his teammates. Victor Boniface has been seen as one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking talents. He was part of Leverkusen’s squad that made history by winning the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season under coach Xabi Alonso.
Fun Soccer Fact: Bayer Leverkusen’s 2023/24 Bundesliga win was their first ever German league title. Before that, they had finished second five times but never managed to win.
Victor Boniface was also a key player in the first half of that season, scoring goals and providing assists. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down in 2024 and 2025.
The Almost Transfer to AC Milan
AC Milan, one of the most famous soccer clubs in the world, had been searching for a new striker. Their attack has often relied on veterans like Olivier Giroud, but they need younger players for the future. Milan identified Victor Boniface as a good fit.
The two clubs – Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan – reportedly agreed on a loan deal. That meant Victor Boniface would move to Milan temporarily, and if things worked out, Milan could sign him permanently later.
Victor Boniface even flew to Italy for his medical check-up. In soccer, before a player signs with a new team, doctors test his body to make sure he is fit and healthy enough to play. This is called a medical examination, and it can take several hours.
Why the Deal Collapsed
According to German sports magazine Kicker, Milan’s doctors found something they didn’t like in Boniface’s right knee. The medical tests showed some irregularities, and Milan decided it was too risky to sign him.
This isn’t the first time Victor Boniface’s knee has caused problems. He tore his cruciate ligaments twice – once in 2019 and again in 2020. That’s a very serious injury that can keep a player out for many months. Later, in early 2024, he also had an adductor injury (a muscle problem near the hip).
Because of these setbacks, Victor Boniface played only 16 Bundesliga games in 2025, starting just four of them. That’s not a lot for a striker who was supposed to be one of the stars of the team.
Soccer Fact: Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most feared injuries in soccer. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Virgil van Dijk have suffered them but managed to come back strong. However, some players struggle to ever regain their best form.
Could the Transfer Still Happen?
Right now, the move to AC Milan looks dead. Reports say Milan will probably look for another striker instead. But there’s always a chance things could change. If Milan can’t find another good option, they might return to Victor Boniface later.
Still, this seems unlikely. Clubs at Milan’s level usually don’t want to take big risks on players with injury records, especially when they are looking for a reliable starter.
Victor Boniface’s Situation at Bayer Leverkusen
So what does this mean for Boniface? He still has a long-term contract with Leverkusen, running until 2028. But his spot in the starting lineup isn’t guaranteed. Patrik Schick, another striker at the club, is currently the main goalscorer. That means Victor Boniface could spend a lot of time on the bench unless he finds his best form again.
Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso has shown trust in Victor Boniface in the past, but competition is fierce. The club has big goals, like defending their Bundesliga title and doing well in the Champions League.
The January Saga: Al Nassr Deal Fell Through
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Victor Boniface almost left Leverkusen. Back in January, he reportedly agreed to move to Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. Many players have gone to Saudi Arabia recently because of the high salaries offered there. But surprisingly, that deal collapsed too.
If Victor Boniface had joined Al Nassr, he would have been teammates with Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and other stars. Instead, he stayed in Germany – but unfortunately wasn’t able to recapture his early form.
The Bigger Picture in Football News
Victor Boniface’s situation highlights a few important things about modern soccer:
Medical tests are crucial – No matter how talented a player is, if a club thinks he isn’t physically reliable, they may back out.
Injuries can change careers – Victor Boniface went from being one of the hottest strikers in Europe to struggling for minutes, mostly because of injuries.
Transfers can collapse at the last minute – Just because two clubs agree on a deal doesn’t mean it’s 100% finished. Until the contract is signed, anything can happen.
Football News Connection: This summer, several big transfers have faced similar issues. For example, in past years, players like Loïc Rémy and Nabil Fekir also had moves canceled after failing medicals.
What’s Next for Victor Boniface?
For now, Victor Boniface will return to Bayer Leverkusen and try to fight for his place. If he can stay fit and score goals again, more clubs may become interested in signing him. At just 24 years old, he still has time to rebuild his career.
Nigeria will also be watching closely. Victor Boniface could be an important striker for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, who are preparing for World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations. A fit and confident Victor Boniface would be a huge boost for them.
Final Thoughts
Victor Boniface’s failed transfer to AC Milan is a reminder of how unpredictable soccer can be. One day you’re about to sign for a giant club, and the next day the deal is off because of medical concerns. Fans who were excited to see him in Italy will now have to wait and see what comes next.
Victor Boniface has the talent to succeed, but he needs to overcome his injury history and prove he can stay healthy. If he does, maybe another big move will come his way. For now, his story continues in Leverkusen – where he’ll hope to get back to scoring goals and showing why he was once one of the most talked-about young strikers in Europe.