Why Did Victor Boniface Not Join AC Milan? Nigerian Provides Stunning Reason Behind Failed Rossoneri Switch

Victor Boniface was set to join AC Milan after a strong spell with Bayer Leverkusen, however, the move broke down and left fans asking – why did the Nigerian not complete a switch to Serie A?

Why Did Victor Boniface Not Join AC Milan?

After agreeing a loan deal with a $28 million buy-option, both AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen expected Victor Boniface to be swapping Germany for Italy this season.

However, after agreeing personal terms with the Rossoneri and flying to Milan on August 24th, Boniface underwent a standard medical that all players complete during a transfer.

This is where the problem began for Boniface, as the Nigerian failed the required medical tests and the Serie A side decided to end their interest in the Nigerian – sending him back to Germany.

Why did Boniface fail his AC Milan medical? Well, the Nigerian international has dealt with a series of knee injuries during his career and had surgeries on his anterior cruciate ligament.

According to reports, Milan were concerned over the abnormalities to his right knee and also a personal training program from a private coach that has ‘worsened’ the injury.

The Rossoneri are in need of a new talisman, losing 2-1 to Cremonese on the opening day of the season and receiving huge criticism for their performance – as the Rossoneri were slammed by former boss, Fabio Capello.

Milan have been linked with other options, however, Boniface was their leading target after his performances for Leverkusen and the Nigerian striker recently revealed why his move failed to materialize.

Boniface said (Via Boniface’s Twitch): “At a certain point, I gave up. When others were playing football, I was just working to get back into it. After my second anterior cruciate ligament injury, I didn’t even want to play anymore because of the pain from the first and what I went through with the second.

“During that time, I also lost my mother. AC Milan? The transfer didn’t work out because of my past injuries. I’ve had two right knee injuries, and it’s something I’ve been dealing with for a long time.”

Will Boniface Go Back To Bayer Leverkusen?

Now, Boniface’s future has been left up in the air, as the 24-year-old will now have to return to Bayer Leverkusen and a transfer now seems unlikely with teams being aware of the medical concerns.

The Nigerian joined Leverkusen back in July 2023 from Union SG and has contributed to 44 goals in 61 appearances for the German side (32G +12A) – winning the league and cup double in his debut season.

However, his 2024/25 season was littered with injuries and the striker fell out-of-favor in Germany, which has only been amplified after Erik ten Hag’s arrival.

His move to Milan would have been a much-needed boost for the Italian side after Rafael Leao’s calf injury, but Boniface will now have to find a new solution with just days of this summer window remaining.

Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign got underway on August 23rd and it was far from a dream start for Erik ten Hag, losing 2-1 at home against Hoffenheim.

The 2023/24 champions will look to make up for their poor start with a trip to Werder Bremen coming up next and Boniface is unlikely to return to the matchday squad.