Why Boniface’s move to Milan is not guaranteed despite agreement with Leverkusen

Victor Boniface is expected to arrive in Milan on Friday afternoon to complete his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, but the Nigeria international’s move to the Rossoneri will not be guaranteed until the player passes his medical. 

Reports on Thursday confirmed that Milan have a full agreement in place with both Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen over an initial loan deal at a cost of €5m with an option to buy for €24m. 

The Rossoneri have been actively seeking a striker given that Santiago Gimenez is the only natural, senior centre-forward available to Massimiliano Allegri. There had been attempts from Milan for both Rasmus Hojlund and Dusan Vlahovic, but in the end, a deal was struck for Boniface instead. 

Why Milan face a nervous wait with Boniface

Despite reaching an agreement with Leverkusen, multiple outlets in Italy have concerns regarding Boniface’s medical history. 

That is because he suffered two cruciate ligament (ACL) tears during his time with Bodo/Glimt: One in 2018-19 and another in 2020-21, plus a series of muscular injuries that limited him to 42 league appearances over the last two seasons. 

As per Corriere dello Sport, Milan are aware of the player’s injury record, and for that reason, his medical is deemed ‘decisive’.