Shocking Blow: Boniface’s €29M AC Milan Deal Collapses After Failed Medical 2025
Shocking Blow: Transfer Collapse Leaves Boniface’s Future in Doubt
A Transfer That Never Was
AC Milan has officially called off their proposed transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen after the player failed to pass mandatory medical tests. This marks a significant setback for the 24-year-old forward, whose highly anticipated move has ended in disappointment.
How It Unraveled
-
The deal involved a €5 million loan fee coupled with a €24 million buy option, and Boniface had already traveled to Milan to complete the formalities.Vanguard News
-
However, medical assessments raised serious concerns over the long-term stability of his right knee, which had previously undergone two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries and is further complicated by lingering groin issues.Premium TimesPulse Sports Nigeria
-
After several rounds of thorough medical examinations, Milan’s medical team decided the risk was too great. Consequently, Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that the deal is definitively off, ruling out any possibility of renegotiation.Premium Times
The Fallout
-
Despite the collapse, there’s no indication of ill will—Milan reportedly respected Boniface’s talent but opted for caution. Their focus has now shifted to other attacking targets.Pulse Sports Nigeria+1
-
Boniface has since returned to Leverkusen, where he is expected to resume training as he continues to manage his fitness and rehabilitation.Premium TimesPulse Sports Nigeria
Boniface Speaks Out
-
The striker responded swiftly to online criticism, calling out trolls and dismissing claims that his personality or social media behavior influenced the outcome.
-
In a now-deleted Instagram Story, he wrote (in a mix of English and pidgin):
“Clowns everywhere. I dey club like Leverkusen and club like Milan want me and I no serious. So if I serious na club for Jupiter I go dey play. Clowns everywhere…”Pulse Sports Nigeria -
Observers clarified that his transfer collapse resulted purely from medical and fitness concerns—not character. Italian outlets like La Gazzetta dello Sport cited structural knee risks, while Milan’s sporting director emphasized a prudent approach to player health.Pulse Sports Nigeria
What’s Next for Boniface?
-
Despite this disappointment, several clubs—including Serie A, Premier League, or even the Saudi Pro League—may still express interest if and when his health stabilizes.
-
For now, the focus remains on recovery and proving his fitness to reignite transfer opportunities.
TL;DR: Key Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer Type | €5M loan with €24M buy option to AC Milan |
| Failure Reason | Failed medical due to knee concerns (ACL history, scar tissue, groin issues) |
| Current Status | Returned to Leverkusen; transfer officially off |
| Boniface’s Response | Rejected social media mockery, insisted the issue is medical-focused |
| Future Prospects | Still valued; recovery and fitness key to reigniting potential moves |
Biography: Victor Boniface – From Nigeria to Bundesliga Star
Full Name: Victor Okoh Boniface
Date of Birth: December 23, 2000 (Age 24) WikipediaTransfermarkt
Place of Birth: Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria WikipediaAfrik-Foot
Height: Approximately 1.90 m (6 ft 2 in) WikipediaFOX Sports
Playing Position: Striker / Centre-Forward
Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Jersey Number 22) WikipediaTransfermarkt
National Team: Nigeria (13 caps, 1 goal as of mid-2025) WikipediaTransfermarkt
Career Journey
-
Youth Development: Boniface began at the Real Sapphire Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to Europe in 2019. WikipediaLegit.ng – Nigeria news.
-
Bodø/Glimt (2019–2022): Joined the Norwegian club, making 48 appearances and scoring 13 goals. Debuted later in 2019 and made his mark quickly. WikipediaAfrik-Foot
-
Union Saint-Gilloise (2022–2023): Transferred to the Belgian side, scoring 9 goals in 37 appearances. Notably became joint top scorer in the 2022–23 Europa League. WikipediaAfrik-FootWikipedia
-
Bayer Leverkusen (2023–Present): Signed in July 2023, quickly became a key player. As of April 2025, he scored 22 goals in 42 appearances. He helped the club win the Bundesliga (2023–24), DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup. WikipediaDIE WELTWikipedia
International Career
-
Nigeria Debut: Made his senior debut on September 10, 2023, assisting a goal in his very first match. Wikipedia
-
AFCON 2023: Selected for the squad but was ruled out due to a muscle injury. WikipediaAfrik-Foot
Playing Style & Notable Traits
Boniface is known for his blend of physicality, technique, and goal-scoring prowess. His key strengths include dribbling, finishing, heading, and dynamic movement—earning comparisons to top forwards. WikipediaWikipedia
Honors & Achievements
Club Honors
-
Bodø/Glimt: Eliteserien titles (2020, 2021) Wikipedia
-
Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga (2023–24), DFB-Pokal (2023–24), DFL-Supercup (2024) Wikipedia
Individual Accolades
-
UEFA Europa League Top Scorer and Team of the Season (2022–23) Wikipedia
-
Bundesliga Rookie of the Season (2023–24) and multiple Rookie/Player of the Month awards Wikipedia
Quick Facts Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victor Okoh Boniface |
| Born | December 23, 2000, Akure, Nigeria |
| Height | ~1.90 m (6’2″) |
| Position | Striker (Centre-Forward) |
| Current Club | Bayer Leverkusen (since July 2023) |
| National Team | Nigeria – 13 Caps, 1 Goal (as of mid-2025) |
| Strengths | Dribbling, finishing, aerial presence |
| Key Achievements | Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Europa League top scorer |
