Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, is on the verge of completing a loan move from Bayer Leverkusen to Italian giants, AC Milan, but not without going through what sources describe as “thorough and extended medical checks.”
The 24-year-old forward arrived in Italy on Friday to finalise his switch from Germany to Serie A, but instead of the usual routine, Boniface was immediately sent to multiple facilities in Milan, including the club’s medical centre, the Galeazzi Hospital, and the Italian Olympic Committee’s medical complex.
According to Italian outlet *Football Italia*, the reason for the unusual medical process is Boniface’s well-known history of injuries. Milan, keen to ensure the player is fully fit, is said to be leaving nothing to chance before completing the transfer deal.
Boniface’s proposed move is a season-long loan from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, worth €5 million, with a purchase option set at €25 million. This means Milan can sign him permanently next summer if the player performs well and remains injury-free.
Sources in Italy confirmed that Boniface underwent a round of tests on Friday and was expected to continue with further medical examinations on Saturday.
The Nigerian international has had a promising career so far but has also struggled with injuries at key moments. He suffered a serious ligament injury in March 2019 that required surgery, and another knee operation followed in December 2020. More recently, he missed parts of last season with muscular problems, raising concerns about his long-term fitness.
Milan, one of Europe’s most successful clubs, is keen to strengthen its attacking options after losing some key players to injuries and transfers. Boniface, who had a standout season in 2023/24 with Leverkusen, scoring goals in the Bundesliga and the Europa League, was identified as a strong, dynamic forward who could add power and creativity to the Rossoneri attack.
However, his fitness remains a critical concern. Italian clubs are known for their strict medical protocols, especially for players with previous injury issues. Milan’s medical team is said to be conducting multiple layers of testing, including musculoskeletal assessments, endurance tests, and MRI scans, to assess Boniface’s readiness for top-level competition.
A source close to the club told reporters, “Victor Boniface is a great talent. But Milan have had bad experiences with injury-prone players in the past, so they are being very careful this time.”
If the deal is finalised, Boniface would join a long list of Nigerian players who have featured in Serie A. Notable names include Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan), Nwankwo Kanu (Inter Milan), Taribo West (Inter Milan and AC Milan), and most recently, Victor Osimhen, who currently plays for Napoli and was instrumental in their 2022/23 title win.
Boniface’s move is seen as part of AC Milan’s efforts to rebuild their squad with young, hungry players who can compete at the top level in Italy and Europe. Milan finished fourth in the 2024/25 Serie A season and qualified for the UEFA Champions League, and are now looking to improve their depth, especially in the attacking department.
Boniface’s physical style, combined with his finishing ability and work rate, make him a good fit for the fast-paced and tactical Italian league. He has also impressed with his performances for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, and is seen as one of the country’s rising stars.
Despite the injury concerns, fans of the Rossoneri and Nigerian football lovers are excited about the prospect of seeing Boniface in the red and black colours of Milan. Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of the striker arriving in Italy, smiling and waving at fans while heading to his medical checks.
AC Milan has not officially announced the transfer as of press time, likely waiting for the full results of the medical assessments. If all goes well, Boniface is expected to sign his contract early next week and could be unveiled by the club soon after.
