Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was subjected to four different medicals in Italy before his move to AC Milan eventually collapsed, according to German outlet BILD.
Milan decided to pull out of the deal for the Bayer Leverkusen striker due to concerns over his fitness and medical history.
The Nigerian international was in Italy for medicals with the Rossoneri over the weekend, but he has returned to Germany, with reports that Milan were still uncertain over a decision to sign him.
Milan sporting director Igli Tare told the press on Saturday, “We knew that he had problems in the past, we are evaluating everything as planned with regards to the health and fitness of the player.
“His qualities are undoubted. We are just trying to make the right decision for this situation.”
It was later confirmed that the deal collapsed despite Milan having a full agreement in place with Leverkusen for his transfer, consisting of a €5m loan fee and a €24m option to buy at a later date.
Leverkusen chief, Simon Rolfes, also told BILD that the deal would be considered over if the player returns to Germany.
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“If he comes back (to Leverkusen), the Milan deal will be over. It’s no big secret.”
According to reports in Italy, Milan have concerns regarding Boniface’s injury history, which includes two cruciate ligament tears on the same knee during his time with Bodo/Glimt, plus a series of muscular injuries that caused him to miss a larger part of each of the last two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen.
It’s the second time Boniface has had a failed transfer this year.
In January, he was linked with a €60m switch to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, but the deal was abandoned by the Saudi club after agreement.
As the 24-year-old is entering his third season in Germany, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Boniface at Leverkusen, particularly under new coach Erik Ten Hag.
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported €20.5m fee in the summer of 2023 and has three years left on his current deal.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
