AC Milan should soon complete their eighth signing of the summer transfer window, with Victor Boniface expected to join.
After a deal worth €29m was agreed between the clubs last night, Corriere dello Sport report that Boniface will be arriving in Italy in the next few hours for a medical. The final step came yesterday, when Igli Tare agreed terms with the striker’s entourage over the contract he would sign if it became permanent.
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A big discount
Tare made an attempt for Boniface in June, but the German club had asked for around €50m to sell him. So, Milan considered working on Dusan Vlahovic and Rasmus Hojlund , as the former Lazio director confirmed before the Coppa Italia match against Bari.
Both of those operations were met very high financial demands from both the clubs and the players themselves. For the Juventus striker in particular, his salary has always been a major obstacle, while Hojlund wanted a permanent deal.
Then, Bayer Leverkusen suddenly opened up to accepting a loan (€5m) with option to buy (€24m) and Milan wasted no time, seizing the opportunity and immediately finalising the deal with the Bundesliga club.
This was swift and concrete action by the Albanian sporting director, who had included the Nigerian on a shortlist of strikers since his arrival in Milan. Even Rafa Leao, Boniface’s future teammate, approved the move on a stream last night: “He’s the type of player I like.”
Crucial medical
The entire deal is naturally contingent on Boniface passing the medical tests that will be held in the next few hours. The tests will be thorough, as Milan doesn’t want to leave anything to chance and wants to ensure they have the right physical guarantees from Boniface.
His history is well known: in 2019 and 2020, he suffered two cruciate ligament ruptures while playing for Bodo-Glimt. After those two unfortunate setbacks, he was sidelined by muscle problems in the following years, missing several games, including for Bayer Leverkusen.
The player’s weakness is injuries, because from a technical standpoint, Milan have secured a striker who has consistently scored goals. Suffice it to say that during his time in Germany, he averaged one goal every two games: 32 goals in 61 matches.
Even in a difficult season like the one just ended, Boniface scored a goal every 126 minutes played. Physically, he has had injuries, but was used by Xabi Alonso in 27 matches last season, while in the title-winning season, he appeared 34 times, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists.
It’s also important to remember that Boniface, if called up to the Nigerian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, would miss several games between December and January.
Will he play vs cremonses
I don’t think there is enough time
but for sure he will be playing at the 2nd game
I’ve never heard so much fuss over one guy’s injury record – anyone would think he’s had both legs amputated and stuck on again…
There was much fuss regarding Renato Sanches’s injury history in this site few years ago. Lucky we did not get him.
There was a lot of fuss about Pulisic also when we were about to sign him. Look at Pulisic now. He’s one of our best players and one who’s less injured for 2 years now at Milan. Milan has more to gain im this operation. Boniface is a really good striker on loan with option to buy at low cost with a 15-20 guaranteed goals.
The fuss about Pulisic was lesser than Renato Sanches. I was against signing Renato but I was in favor of signing Pulisic, see for my past comments if you want. I am not against signing Boniface.
Pulisic were free from muscle injury during his last 2 seasons (he had other type of injuries instead of the previously recurring muscle injuries) at Chelsea so I believe his muscle had improved hence I am not worried. Boniface seems to have passed his ACL issues, his injury last season are not ACL related. As for Renato, his muscle issue is constant.
When you miss out 2 full years out of 6 the injuries kind of come into the spotlight.
Which was in 19/20, the same as Califiori who also had 2 ACL tears.
Califiori is a perfect example of a player who’s career is over due to ACL tear. It’s always a death-sentence when you rupture an ACL, right? 😀 😀 😀
The medical experts on this site have been shouting “INJURYPRONE!!!” every time someone mentions something about an ACL.. 😀 😀 😀
Calafiori had 6 different knee issues just last season with arsenal. He only played 1500 minutes across all competitions.
Calafiori is very unreliable when it comes to his availability to play.
This isn’t rocket science and you don’t have to me a medical expert to understand that someone is injury prone.
Calafiori is injury prone and so is Boniface.
So was Pulisic. 🙂
So you conceded on the ridiculous Calafiori example and now you are moving on Pulisic?
Did Pulisic have 2 ACL ruptures like Boniface?🤔
There was much fuss over Pulisic’s injury record. I don’t put much stock in past injuries having predictive value for future fitness.
Not unwarranted though, wouldn’t you say? Two ACL’s ain’t a cake walk. Let’s hope he passes his medical.
This operation Is a masterstroke … low risk high reward and I don’t see anyone giving us a better deal than this. We can actually sign Kiwior for 25mil now
There was a lot of fuss about Pulisic also when we were about to sign him. Look at Pulisic now. He’s one of our best players and one who’s less injured for 2 years now at Milan. Milan has more to gain im this operation. Boniface is a really good striker on loan with option to buy at low cost with a 15-20 guaranteed goals.
Pulisic wasn’t coming off two ACL’s.