AC Milan`s pursuit of Nigerian striker **Victor Boniface** has hit a procedural snag, with his crucial medical examinations experiencing an unexpected delay. While transfer sagas often involve complex negotiations and agent demands, the current pause for Boniface appears to stem from a more fundamental concern: the player`s physical well-being. This development casts a spotlight on a recurrent theme in modern football transfers: the delicate balance between a player`s undeniable talent and their often-fragile physical resilience.
Victor Boniface in action for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, prior to his potential transfer to AC Milan.
A Chronicle of Injuries: A Striker`s Battle with His Own Body
A quick glance at Boniface`s medical file reveals a rather unfortunate narrative, marked by significant periods on the sidelines. His career has been punctuated by a series of severe setbacks, notably **two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures**. These aren`t minor sprains; they are career-defining injuries that require extensive rehabilitation and can fundamentally alter a player`s physical profile.
The numbers paint a stark picture:
- During the 2018-19 season with Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt, he missed **34 matches** following his first major injury.
- The 2020-21 season saw an even more prolonged absence, with Boniface sidelined for a staggering **56 matches** due to his second severe injury.
- His tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, despite moments of brilliance, also began with a lengthy stop for adductor issues, resulting in **23 missed games**.
Beyond these headline injuries, the striker has consistently dealt with a string of minor to medium-level ailments. This consistent pattern of physical vulnerability is precisely why Leverkusen, despite his clear talent, appears willing to facilitate a loan deal with a simple option to buy, rather than a straightforward permanent transfer. It`s a pragmatic approach to mitigating risk.
The Saudi Stumbling Block: A Precedent of Concern
Perhaps the most telling chapter in this unfolding saga unfolded just weeks prior. Boniface was reportedly on the verge of a transfer to a club in the **Saudi League**. However, the deal, reportedly lucrative for all parties, inexplicably collapsed. According to various reports from Arab media, the breakdown was directly attributed to **clinical aspects** – in essence, Boniface failed his medical examination in Saudi Arabia.
This prior rejection adds a significant layer of complexity and apprehension to his current situation with AC Milan. If the Milanese medical checks represent the first comprehensive evaluation by a top European club since that Saudi setback, it places an immense burden of proof on Boniface and presents a considerable risk for Milan.
“His body, it seems, has a penchant for dramatic pauses. For AC Milan, it’s not just about signing a striker; it’s about acquiring a reliable asset, not a recurrent entry on the injury list.”
AC Milan`s Calculated Gamble: Talent vs. Reliability
Given this extensive medical dossier, AC Milan finds itself in a peculiar position. The proposed deal structure – an initial **€5 million loan fee** with a subsequent **€24 million option to buy** to be exercised next summer – clearly indicates Milan`s cautious approach. This arrangement allows them to assess Boniface`s fitness and on-field contribution over a full season before committing to the larger sum. It`s a testament to his perceived attacking prowess, which evidently outweighs the immediate concerns about his physical stability.
While Boniface`s agents are actively engaged in discussions in Milan, the player himself has yet to undergo the decisive tests. He is now expected to arrive the following morning, pushing back the critical medical evaluations. The delay could be attributed to internal deliberations within Milan`s management or simply a meticulous desire by their medical staff to conduct an exhaustive examination, leaving no stone unturned.
The Road Ahead: Passing the Ultimate Test
Unlike some previous Milan targets, such as Almería defender Pubill (who underwent positive medical tests in Barcelona before Milan opted against a transfer purely for technical reasons), Boniface has not had any prior Milan-sanctioned medical screenings. This means the upcoming tests in Milan are paramount, serving as the ultimate gatekeeper for his Rossoneri dream.
The coming days will undoubtedly be crucial for both Victor Boniface and AC Milan. For the player, overcoming this physical hurdle is more than a formality; it`s the very first, and perhaps most significant, test of his AC Milan career – even before he steps onto the pitch in a competitive match. The football world watches with keen interest to see if this talented, yet injury-prone, striker can finally put his physical woes behind him and embark on a stable and successful chapter in Serie A.
