AC Milan have officially abandoned their move for Victor Boniface after the striker failed to pass medical examinations in Italy, ending what had looked like a near-complete deal with Bayer Leverkusen.
Softfootball reported that the Rossoneri had reached a verbal agreement with the German club for a season-long loan worth around €5 million, with an option to buy set between €24–30 million.
Personal terms with the Nigerian forward were also in place, and Boniface had spent the past two days in Milan undergoing tests. However, concerns raised during thorough medical checks at both the Centro Ambrosiano and the Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute forced Milan to withdraw from the transfer.
Football expert Fabrizio Romano reported the incident on his official X account.
He Posted:
“AC Milan call Victor Boniface deal off as Nigerian striker did not pass the medical tests. Despite verbal agreement for €5m loan fee and €24m buy clause with player in Milano in the last 48h, deal called off due to medical. Boniface, returning in Germany today.”
Softfootball understands that the examinations highlighted lingering weaknesses in Boniface’s right knee, which has previously required two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. While most of his recent absences have been due to muscular issues, Milan’s medical team concluded that the risk of further complications was too significant to proceed with the signing.
Sporting director Igli Tare admitted the decision was a difficult one, stressing that although the striker’s talent is not in question, the club could not gamble on a player with such a concerning injury history. Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed that Boniface will now return to Germany, making it clear that the deal with Milan is over and unlikely to be renegotiated. The 24-year-old remains under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2028.
For Milan, the collapse of the deal is a major setback, with head coach Paulo Fonseca still pushing for at least two attacking additions before the transfer window closes. Sporting CP’s Conrad Harder is reportedly a candidate, while Rasmus Højlund , previously linked before his move to Manchester United, could re-emerge as a target, though Napoli are also in the hunt for the Dane.
The failed transfer comes at a frustrating moment for the Rossoneri, who slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat against newly promoted Cremonese in their Serie A opener. They will look to bounce back on Friday when they host Lecce, but the search for reliable attacking reinforcements has now become even more urgent.
