AC Milan cancels Victor Boniface transfer after failed medical

AC Milan has called off a proposed transfer for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface after medical examinations raised significant concerns about his right knee, according to multiple reports. The 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward had traveled to Italy over the weekend to finalize a €5 million loan deal with a €24 million option to buy, but the Serie A club opted not to proceed following the results of four separate medical tests.

Boniface, who arrived in Milan on August 22, underwent extensive evaluations, including checks at the Centro Ambrosiano and Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute. The tests flagged issues linked to his injury history, notably two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears sustained during his time with Bodo/Glimt and recurring muscular injuries at Leverkusen. Despite a verbal agreement between the clubs and personal terms settled with the player, AC Milan’s medical team deemed the risks too high, leading to the deal’s collapse.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on X, stating, “After medical tests at AC Milan, Victor Boniface returns to Germany, as there’s still no green light to his move.” Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, told BILD, “If he comes back to Leverkusen, the Milan deal will be over. It’s no big secret.” Boniface, who has returned to Germany, now faces an uncertain future, with Leverkusen’s new manager Erik ten Hag reportedly favoring other forwards, potentially limiting his playing time.

The decision marks the second time Boniface has seen a high-profile move fall through due to injury concerns, following a collapsed transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2025. AC Milan, still in search of attacking reinforcements, is now reportedly targeting Sporting Lisbon’s Conrad Harder as an alternative. The transfer window closes in one week, leaving little time for the Rossoneri to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Serie A season.