AC Milan`s ongoing quest for a new central striker has recently shifted its focus towards Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen. While his name suggests a promising solution, a deeper dive into the Nigerian forward`s career reveals a critical vulnerability: a history of injuries that consistently challenge his time on the pitch. For a club like Milan, grappling with its own offensive challenges, the pivotal question extends beyond mere goal-scoring ability to the more fundamental concern of consistent availability.
The Unyielding Calendar of 2025
The current year has not been kind to **Victor Boniface**. In the 2025-26 pre-season, he managed a mere 85 minutes across five friendly matches for Bayer Leverkusen. His official competitive season commenced with zero minutes in the German Cup, and his last Bundesliga appearance dates back to April 20, 2025, against Sankt Pauli. The statistics for 2025 paint a stark picture: only 12 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, yielding a modest return of just three goals. It`s a record that, unfortunately, suggests more time spent in the medical facility than on the field.
The €70 Million `Almost` That Speaks Volumes
Yet, the narrative surrounding Boniface is not solely one of fragility. Just seven months prior to this assessment, the powerful striker was reportedly on the brink of a sensational €70 million transfer to Al Nassr, the Saudi club boasting Cristiano Ronaldo. Boniface himself confirmed the near-deal, recalling, “I was in a Frankfurt hotel and was already buying gifts for my family, then it all fell apart.” This near-miss is more than just a captivating anecdote; it underscores the immense talent and substantial market value he commands when fully fit and firing.
A Glimpse of Greatness: The 2023-24 Campaign
Indeed, when **Victor Boniface** is unburdened by physical ailments, his capabilities are undeniable. His inaugural season in Germany, the 2023-24 campaign, saw him net an impressive 21 goals in 34 appearances. During this period, his blend of raw power, deceptive pace, and clinical finishing was on full display, firmly establishing his reputation as a top-tier center-forward. He demonstrated an ability not only to lead the line effectively but also to contribute meaningfully to team build-up play and convert chances with conviction.
The Troubling Tome of Injuries
However, the underlying current of **Victor Boniface`s** career reads almost like a comprehensive medical journal. His early professional years at Bodo Glimt, his first European club, were significantly impacted by two separate ruptures of the **cruciate ligament** – the first in March 2019, followed by another in November 2020. Despite these severe setbacks, he remarkably recovered, finding form and success at Union St. Gilloise in Belgium, where he scored 17 goals in 51 matches during the 2022-23 season, even showcasing versatility as a wide forward.
Yet, the pattern of injury continued. After his promising start at Leverkusen, January 2024 brought another substantial hurdle: a three-month absence due to a serious **adductor problem**. The most recent chapter in this ongoing saga unfolded in November 2024 with a **thigh injury**, which not only sidelined him for 12 matches but also visibly affected his performance for the remainder of the season. It seems his body has a penchant for dramatic pauses.
Milan`s High-Stakes Wager
For **AC Milan**, a club currently navigating the complexities of their attacking lineup, exacerbated by the absence of key players like Rafa Leão and the departure of Noah Okafor, the potential acquisition of **Victor Boniface** represents a significant wager. In the often-unpredictable realm of football transfers, where clubs frequently seek “ready-made solutions,” Boniface embodies the quintessential high-reward, high-risk proposition. His inherent talent is unquestionable, a beacon of what he *can* achieve. However, his physical resilience remains the proverbial elephant in the medical room, a constant variable in his professional equation. Consequently, signing him is less about statistical certainty and more akin to a calculated leap of faith, where success, one might wryly suggest, could ultimately depend on a generous helping of pure, unadulterated fortune.
This article is an analytical piece based on available sports news and does not represent official statements from clubs or players. Football transfers are dynamic and subject to change.