AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have reached a verbal agreement over the transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, with the Serie A giants now preparing the formal documents, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday that the deal will be structured as a loan with a €30m buy option clause, which is not mandatory.
Milan are also in direct talks with Boniface’s representatives over personal terms, a key final step before the move is sealed.
“AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen preparing formal documents after verbal agreement for Victor Boniface. Loan deal with €30m buy option clause not mandatory. AC Milan now in direct talks with Victor Boniface’s agent over personal terms, key final step to get the deal done,” Romano posted on X.
The 24-year-old forward has already given his approval to the move, having said yes to Milan’s contract proposal according to Romano.
“Negotiations underway today as Victor said yes to AC Milan contract proposal, talks continue over deal structure,” Fabrizio wrote on X.
The development comes as a surprise, with Milan’s pursuit of a new striker long thought to centre on Rasmus Højlund or Dusan Vlahovic.
As recently as Wednesday, Italian journalist Daniele Longo had reported that those two names were the only real options being considered by the Rossoneri.
However, behind the scenes, Milan have been working discreetly on Boniface.
Romano earlier described the situation as “advanced”, while Sky Italia added that optimism is growing in Milan that a deal can be reached quickly.
“AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks for Victor Boniface deal,” Romano added.
Reports in Italy and Germany suggest the Serie A club formally submitted their proposal to Leverkusen earlier today, a bid Gianluca Di Marzio described as decisive.
Sources close to the negotiations say the Bundesliga champions are considering the terms, with German journalist Florian Plettenberg reporting that the club are “leaning towards yes” influenced in part by the player’s desire to move to Italy.
Sky Italia have characterised the talks as being “at the heart” of negotiations, with both sides now weighing the final details of the transfer structure.
Although Leverkusen have not fully committed to an agreement, the offer on the table has been deemed “good” and Boniface is considered ever closer to wearing Milan’s red and black.
The move would represent a significant shift in Milan’s transfer strategy. Efforts to secure Højlund, who joined Manchester United last summer, have stalled as the player’s preference remains a permanent transfer rather than the loan-with-option deal Milan have put forward. Meanwhile, talks with Juventus over Vlahovic have proven difficult given his valuation.
Boniface scored 11 Bundesliga goals and provided one assist last season as Leverkusen failed to defend their German league title under Xabi Alonso.
His pace, power and pressing have been hallmarks of Alonso’s side, and Milan believe he is well suited to lead their attack as they prepare for a new era under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
