Gianluca Di Marzio, Italian transfer expert has shed light on the circumstances that led AC Milan to cancel proposed loan move for Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window.
According to Di Marzio, the Nigerian forward, who later joined Werder Bremen on loan, had travelled to Milan for his medicals but was sent back after the Serie A club conducted a detailed assessment of his physical condition.
Speaking to Milan Vibes, Di Marzio explained that Milan was not blindsided by Boniface’s past injury record but chose to proceed cautiously before finalizing the deal.
“With Boniface, Milan was aware of the physical issues the player had faced. We’re not talking about a club that didn’t know his medical history and career path,” Di Marzio said.
“They simply wanted to be extra sure about his physical condition, also looking ahead to the future, even though it was a loan.”
The journalist noted that such caution was not unusual, as clubs often weigh the risks of a player’s past injuries, especially when making significant financial commitments.
“Sometimes, when you invest €40 million to buy a player, past problems weigh even more, but in this case, regardless of it being a loan, after reviewing his medical record, both past and present, the club decided to move towards a player who was more ready and could provide stronger guarantees,” he added.
Di Marzio also defended Milan’s decision to hold the medical in Italy rather than abroad, describing it as a more honest and transparent approach.
“It wasn’t ideal, in terms of form, to have the player arrive and then send him back, but it was a more transparent and less hypocritical approach than others who conduct medicals abroad and keep quiet when a deal falls through,” he said.
“Here, everyone knew the player had arrived, and the club made a decision. It’s unfortunate for the player because I know he was eager to wear the Milan shirt.”
“These things happen, just like with Harder, who had a contract practically signed and documents already exchanged.”
After the failed Milan switch, 24-year-old Victor Boniface, joined Werder Bremen on loan, where he has made four substitute appearances so far this season.
The Super Eagles striker has already contributed one assist in Bremen’s 4–0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, as he works to regain full match sharpness and form.
