The potential transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface to AC Milan hangs precariously in the balance following concerns raised about the player’s right knee during his medical examination. While Boniface completed the initial stages of his medical, subsequent assessments have reportedly revealed an issue that has prompted Milan to reconsider the financial terms of the deal and explore alternative striking options. The proposed transfer was initially structured as a €5 million loan with a €25 million option to buy, but the discovery of this potential knee problem has thrown the entire agreement into doubt. Milan’s management, including director Igli Tare, has publicly acknowledged their cautious approach, emphasizing the need to make a well-informed decision considering Boniface’s medical reports and in consultation with manager Max Allegri. The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether Milan proceeds with the transfer or shifts its focus to other targets.
The uncertainty surrounding Boniface’s medical situation has triggered Milan’s pursuit of alternative striker options, including Conrad Harder from Sporting, Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United, Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, and Breel Embolo from AS Monaco. These players represent a range of profiles and price points, suggesting that Milan is preparing for various scenarios, depending on the outcome of Boniface’s situation and their budget. This proactive approach underscores the club’s determination to strengthen their attacking line, even if the Boniface deal falls through. The need for a reliable goalscorer is evident, and Milan appears determined to address this need, regardless of the specific player they ultimately acquire.
Boniface’s medical examination, which commenced upon his arrival in Italy on Friday, has been notably protracted and thorough. Initial checks at the Centro Ambrosiano were followed by further examinations at the specialized Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, highlighting the seriousness of Milan’s concerns about the player’s fitness history. This thorough assessment is understandable considering Boniface’s previous injuries, which include two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries and recurring groin problems. These past issues have undeniably impacted his playing time in recent seasons, and Milan is understandably keen to avoid investing heavily in a player with potentially chronic injury concerns.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the outcome of Boniface’s medicals, adding further complexity to the situation. While some sources, including Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, claimed that Boniface successfully passed his medical tests after undergoing three separate checks, other reports paint a less optimistic picture. Fabrizio Romano, a respected football journalist, noted that Milan is awaiting a conclusive verdict from their orthopaedic team within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri suggested that the latest scan results have dampened Milan’s enthusiasm for the transfer, putting the entire deal “at real risk” of collapsing. This conflicting information further clouds the situation, making it difficult to ascertain the true extent of Boniface’s medical issues and Milan’s willingness to proceed.
This potential setback is undoubtedly frustrating for both Boniface and AC Milan. Boniface’s strong performances in Germany over the past two seasons had convinced Milan of his potential to bolster their attack. The prospect of playing for a prestigious club like Milan would have been a significant career step for Boniface. From Milan’s perspective, securing Boniface’s services would have provided a much-needed attacking reinforcement for Allegri’s squad. The possibility of missing out on a promising target due to medical concerns is a significant blow to their transfer plans. This situation underscores the inherent risks involved in football transfers, particularly when dealing with players who have a history of injuries.
This is not the first instance where concerns over Boniface’s fitness have stalled a potential transfer to Serie A. Reports suggest that AS Roma rejected a swap deal involving Boniface and Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk a few weeks prior, citing similar concerns about the Nigerian’s injury history. Specifically, Roma’s hesitations stemmed from Boniface’s muscle problems that led to him missing several games last season. This previous rejection further emphasizes the recurring nature of Boniface’s injury issues and how they have influenced clubs’ decisions regarding his transfer. It remains to be seen whether Milan will follow Roma’s lead or decide to take a calculated risk on the talented but potentially injury-prone striker. The next 24 hours will be decisive in determining the fate of this transfer saga.
