Victor Boniface’s proposed switch from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan is off for now after medical tests reportedly raised concerns about the striker’s right knee. The Nigerian forward, who had travelled to Milan for checks with a loan agreement in place between the clubs, is set to return to Germany. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes indicated the deal is finished, making a revival unlikely.
Boniface’s injury history weighed heavily on the decision. He suffered cruciate ligament tears in 2019 and 2020, missed a chunk of early 2024 with an adductor problem, and started only four of 16 Bundesliga matches in 2025. Under contract until 2028, he has struggled for minutes behind Patrik Schick. A planned move to Al Nassr in January also collapsed late on.
Milan have turned to alternatives. Sporting CP’s 2005-born striker Conrad Harder is now the leading candidate, with his agent visiting Casa Milan and a reported fee around €30m, well below his €80m release clause. Dusan Vlahovic remains a possibility via a potential swap involving Alexis Saelemaekers, while Genk’s Tolu Arokodare and Monaco’s Breel Embolo are also under consideration. Club executives Giorgio Furlani and Igli Tare discussed options at a market summit attended by head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Unless negotiations for a new centre-forward stall, a late U-turn for Boniface is considered improbable.
