Former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello has described the Rossoneri’s move for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface as a “gamble,” citing the forward’s injury record and lack of Serie A experience as potential risks, Sports247 reports.
Milan are close to finalising a deal with Bayer Leverkusen that saw Boniface arrive in Italy on Friday and undertook the first of the medical tests.
The agreement reportedly involves a €5 million loan fee, with an option to buy for an additional €24 million.
Despite the excitement around the 24-year-old’s arrival, concerns remain over his fitness record.
Boniface suffered two cruciate ligament injuries earlier in his career at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and has endured long spells on the sidelines with Leverkusen over the last two seasons.
In addition, he is expected to miss several weeks mid-season due to Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), further limiting coach Massimiliano Allegri’s attacking options.
Capello: “Technically gifted, but often stopped by injuries”
Writing in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello acknowledged Boniface’s talent but warned that his injury history makes him a risky acquisition.
“Milan have decided to gamble on a technically gifted striker, but one who has been stopped too often by physical problems,” Capello wrote.
“He will also need time to adapt to Serie A, while a player like Rasmus Hojlund , given his experience with Atalanta – would have been ready to go immediately.”
Capello pointed to Napoli’s summer transfer dealings as an example of how Milan should have approached the market.
“Conte was put in a position to fight for the title with targeted signings from Buongiorno to McTominay to Lukaku, a guarantee at centre-forward. Milan, however, have gone down a different path.”
“Shouldn’t Milan have invested more in a striker?”
The 78-year-old Italian tactician further questioned Milan’s decision-making, suggesting that financial considerations overshadowed sporting priorities.
“When I read that the choice of Boniface was largely due to financial reasons, I ask myself: a club like Milan, which has raised almost €200 million from player sales this summer, shouldn’t they have invested heavily in a centre-forward?” Capello continued.
“Betting on such an important role is dangerous. I’m also convinced that Leão’s move to centre-forward will be short-lived.”
” Allegri would lose the best of his qualities, because the Portuguese is devastating when he starts wide on the left.”
If the deal is completed, Boniface will be tasked with leading Milan’s attack as the club pushes for the Scudetto but Capello’s warning underlines the risks involved in placing such responsibility on the injury-prone forward.
