Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed new details surrounding AC Milan’s decision to cancel Victor Boniface’s proposed loan move from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window.
According to Di Marzio, the Nigerian striker had already traveled to Milan for his medicals before the Serie A club decided to pull the plug on the deal due to concerns about his medical history. Boniface has since joined Werder Bremen on loan, where he is gradually regaining form.
Milan’s Medical Concerns Halted the Deal
Speaking to Milan Vibes, Di Marzio explained that Milan’s technical team was well aware of Boniface’s past injury record but chose to conduct a thorough physical assessment before finalizing the move.
“Milan knew about his medical history. They just wanted to be completely certain about his physical condition, thinking long-term, even though it was only a loan,” Di Marzio said.
He added that such caution was standard for major clubs, especially when past injuries could affect a player’s consistency and availability.
“Sometimes, when you spend €40 million or more, past problems weigh even more heavily. In this case, even though it was a loan, Milan decided to go for a player who offered more guarantees after reviewing Boniface’s records,” he explained.
Why Milan Conducted the Medical in Italy
Di Marzio also defended Milan’s choice to hold the medical in Italy rather than abroad, a move that resulted in the striker being sent back after tests.
“It wasn’t ideal to bring the player in and then send him home, but it was more transparent and honest than hiding results,” Di Marzio stated.
“Everyone knew he had arrived for medicals, and when the club decided not to proceed, they were open about it. It’s unfortunate for Boniface because he really wanted to wear the Milan shirt.”
Boniface’s Next Chapter at Werder Bremen
Following the collapsed transfer, 24-year-old Boniface joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan. He has made four substitute appearances so far, contributing one assist in Bremen’s 4–0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach as he works to regain full fitness.
Boniface had previously impressed at Bayer Leverkusen, playing a key role in their 2023/24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign.
Nkunku Interest May Have Influenced Milan’s Decision
Di Marzio further suggested that Milan’s pursuit of Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku might have affected their stance.
“Maybe the chance to sign Nkunku changed their plans. They may have felt he was a better fit for both the present and the future than a player who still needed to be fully assessed,” he said.
Despite the setback, Boniface remains one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking prospects, and his spell at Bremen could help him rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
