By – Irom Daniel
AC Milan have officially pulled the plug on their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface after the player failed to pass his medical tests in Milano.
The 23-year-old Super Eagles forward had travelled to Italy in the last 48 hours, with reports confirming a verbal agreement between Milan and his German club. The proposed deal included a €5 million loan fee with a €24 million buy option, setting up what was expected to be one of the headline transfers of the summer for Nigerian football.
However, the move collapsed abruptly after medical examinations reportedly raised concerns about Boniface’s fitness. Though specific details of the medical setback were not disclosed, sources within the club indicated that Milan’s medical staff advised against proceeding with the signing.
Boniface, who enjoyed a strong campaign in Germany last season helping Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title and featuring prominently in the UEFA Europa League was seen as a major addition to Milan’s frontline, especially after the departure of Olivier Giroud to MLS.
With the deal now off, Boniface is expected to return to Germany, where he still has several suitors keeping tabs on his situation. Meanwhile, Milan will return to the market in search of attacking reinforcements before the Serie A season kicks off later this month.
The setback will come as a disappointment for Nigerian fans who had hoped to see Boniface join an elite list of Super Eagles stars to have played for the Rossoneri, including Taribo West, Nnamdi Oduamadi, and Taye Taiwo.
For now, Boniface’s immediate future remains uncertain, but all eyes will be on how quickly he recovers fitness and whether another European club will reignite interest in the coming weeks.
