Victor Boniface, the Super Eagles striker, has opened up about the disappointment of a collapsed transfer to AC Milan, revealing that his history of knee injuries ultimately derailed the move. The 24-year-old forward travelled to Italy for medical examinations with the Rossoneri, undergoing four separate tests before the Serie A giants pulled the plug on the deal. Despite Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface’s current club, agreeing on a €5 million loan fee with a €24 million option to buy, Milan’s concerns surrounding Boniface’s physical resilience proved insurmountable. This revelation sheds light on the challenging realities professional athletes face, particularly when battling recurring injuries and the psychological impact they can have.
Boniface’s injury history, marked by two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in his right knee earlier in his career, has significantly shaped his journey. He vividly recalled the emotional and physical toll of these setbacks, admitting that he contemplated giving up football altogether. The second ACL injury, coupled with the loss of his mother around the same time, left him deeply discouraged and questioning his future in the sport. He described a grueling period of rehabilitation while his peers continued playing, highlighting the isolation and mental fortitude required to overcome such adversity.
The failed medical with Milan brought these past struggles back into sharp focus. Boniface confirmed that the club’s hesitation stemmed directly from his injury history, a history that had already impacted his availability in previous seasons. He missed portions of the last two seasons in Germany due to muscular problems, further adding to the concerns about his long-term durability. This underscores the significant impact injuries can have on a player’s career trajectory, even after they have seemingly recovered. It also emphasizes the meticulous nature of medical evaluations in high-stakes transfers, where clubs are investing substantial sums of money and therefore require assurances of a player’s fitness.
While acknowledging the setbacks, Boniface maintained a defiant stance, asserting his commitment to persevering despite the disappointment. He directed a pointed message to his critics, urging them to appreciate the challenges professional athletes face before passing judgment. This highlights the intense scrutiny players are under, especially in the modern era of social media, where opinions are often amplified and criticism can be relentless. Boniface’s response underscores the need for empathy and understanding when evaluating athletes, recognizing that they are individuals navigating complex physical and emotional challenges.
Despite the failed transfer, Boniface remains a valued asset at Bayer Leverkusen, where he is under contract until 2026 following a €20.5 million transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. He is expected to play a significant role under the new coach, Erik ten Hag, offering a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his talent and resilience. This emphasizes the cyclical nature of football, where setbacks can be followed by new opportunities and the chance to rewrite the narrative.
The collapsed move to Milan marks the second significant transfer setback for Boniface in recent times. Earlier in 2025, a proposed €60 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr also fell through. These events, while undoubtedly frustrating, underscore the complex nature of the football transfer market, where numerous factors can influence the outcome of negotiations. Boniface’s experience serves as a reminder of the uncertainties inherent in the industry, where even seemingly agreed-upon deals can unravel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as medical concerns or changes in club strategy. Despite these setbacks, Boniface remains a talented and promising player with the potential to achieve great things in his career. His resilience in the face of adversity suggests that he has the mental fortitude to overcome these challenges and ultimately fulfill his potential.
