AC Milan’s pursuit of Victor Boniface—focusing on why the deal is pending exhaustive medical assessments:

AC Milan’s Loan-to-Buy Deal Structure

AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement: a season‑long loan for Victor Boniface at €5 million, coupled with an option—but not obligation—to buy him outright for around €24 million, potentially totaling €29 million (SempreMilan, BILD). Milan pursued this route after stalling on potential deals for Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United) and Dusan Vlahović (Juventus) (Football Italia, The Scottish Sun).

All parties, including the player and clubs, reportedly agreed to the terms, and Boniface arrived in Milan to undergo the necessary medical exams (Semper, Football Italia, BILD).

Intensive Medical Process: Knee in Focus

Once in Milan, Boniface began a multi-stage medical process due to a serious injury history, especially involving his knees:

• Friday: He landed at Milan‑Linate and completed initial examinations at La Madonnina clinic and Centro Ambrosiano, followed by a detailed orthopedic evaluation at Hospital Galeazzi, involving a trusted club orthopedist (BILD).

• Saturday: A follow-up exam focusing specifically on his right knee was scheduled.

• Only if all tests yield positive results will Milan proceed with his signing and potentially have him available—at least on the bench—for their season opener against Cremonese (BILD).

This multi-layered testing is extraordinary, even by elite clubs’ standards, and underscores just how cautious Milan are being.

Why the Caution? Injury Background Explained

1. Long-Term Knee Injuries

During his time with Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt, Boniface suffered two serious cruciate ligament ruptures in March 2019 and November 2020—major red flags in any club’s medical evaluation (Pulse Sports Nigeria, Milanreports.com, The Playoffs, Wikipedia).

2. Recent Muscle Problems

While at Leverkusen, further fitness issues cropped up:

• A three-month absence in January 2024 due to an adductor (groin) injury.

• Another 12 matches missed from a thigh injury later in 2024 (Pulse Sports Nigeria, Milanreports.com, Legit.ng – Nigeria news.).

These recurring muscular problems, on top of the earlier knee concerns, present a pattern of interrupted availability (Total Football Analysis Magazine, The Playoffs).

3. 2025 Appearances and Performance

2025 has been particularly challenging: Boniface played only 12 matches, scoring just 3 goals, prompting Gazzetta dello Sport’s ominous headline: “2025 covered in bandages: more games missed than goals scored” (Milanreports.com).

4. Africa Cup of Nations Conflict

With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) falling mid‑season, Milan must also account for Boniface possibly missing several weeks of action due to national team duties (Football Italia, The Playoffs).

Expert Analysis: The Debate Over the Risk

Fabio Capello’s Perspective

Veteran coach Fabio Capello labeled the acquisition a “gamble.”

He highlighted Boniface’s technical gifts but stressed the challenges posed by injury history and the need to adapt to Serie A—known for its tactical rigor (Football Italia).

Capello also questioned why Milan, having generated nearly €200 million in sales this window, didn’t invest in a more immediately reliable forward to bolster Allegri’s squad (Football Italia).

Media Skepticism

Italian media, especially Gazzetta dello Sport, have been highly critical, running numerous articles within two days that framed the deal as risky—from his physical condition to the nature of the agreement—creating what some analysts consider an orchestrated media campaign against the transfer (SempreMilan).

Risk-Reward Balance

Publications like ThePlayoffs.news offer a balanced view—labeling it a “calculated gamble.” Milan gets a high‑ceiling striker at manageable financial risk, but they must manage the fitness volatility carefully (The Playoffs).

Player Profile: Potential When Fit

Despite all the uncertainty, Boniface has proven what he can do when healthy:

• At Leverkusen, he scored 14 goals in 23 league games during his first season, and added 8 goals from 19 appearances the next—underscoring his value at top level (Total Football Analysis Magazine).

• Across all competitions in his debut season, he tallied 21 goals and 10 assists, showcasing his offensive dynamism (Total Football Analysis Magazine, Punch News, CrispNG).

His return to the spotlight in key moments, including a decisive Champions League goal against Milan in October 2024, speaks to his composure on big stages (Reuters, Punch News).

What’s Next?

Boniface has reportedly completed both standard and fitness medical tests, leaving just the contract signing as the final step (SempreMilan, BILD).

If these are satisfactory, he could be officially unveiled soon and potentially make the matchday squad—depending on how Milan assess his physical readiness.

Summary: A High-Stakes Step for Milan

In essence, Milan’s pursuit of Boniface represents a calculated but cautious gamble—embracing his talent and upside while hedging against the physical unreliability that has marred his recent seasons.