“Done deal” – Victor Boniface joins AC Milan on loan as 7th Nigerian to wear Rossoneri colours

Victor Boniface is on the brink of beginning a new chapter in Italy after AC Milan secured an agreement to sign the Nigerian forward from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan deal, Soccernet.ng reports.

The move, confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, will see Milan pay €5 million for the loan, with the option of making the transfer permanent for a further €24 million. Should that clause be triggered, Boniface, who came close to joining Saudi club Al Nassr in January, would be tied to the Rossoneri until 2030.

The 24-year-old striker becomes the seventh Nigerian to wear Milan’s famous red and black shirt, following in the footsteps of Aliyu Datti, Taribo West, Kingsley Umunegbu, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Taye Taiwo, and most recently, Samuel Chukwueze.

Boniface will hope to emulate Chukwueze, who currently holds the record as Milan’s top-scoring Nigerian with eight goals.

Negotiations moved quickly after Boniface’s representative, Atta Aneke, travelled to Milan to finalise personal terms.

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The deal provides Milan with flexibility, protecting them from long-term risk while giving Boniface the opportunity to prove his worth in Serie A. His medical examinations are expected to take place in the coming days before the transfer is formally sealed.

Boniface’s time in Germany was marked by both breakthrough success and injury setbacks.

The Super Eagles star arrived at Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023, making an immediate impact with goals against RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach in his first two Bundesliga outings. He continued his excellent scoring run until an injury struck him down.

By April 2024, he had recovered from an adductor injury to score in the Europa League against West Ham and play a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, the first in the club’s history.

The Super Eagles star ended that campaign as Leverkusen’s top scorer in the league with 14 goals.

Boniface's performances extended onto the European stage, with a Champions League winner against AC Milan in October 2024.

Across all competitions, he managed 32 goals in 61 appearances for Leverkusen, with his ability to combine strength, pace, and clinical finishing attracting praise and admiration.

However, competition for places grew fiercer last season as Patrik Schick’s resurgence limited Boniface’s starting opportunities.

That shift, coupled with Milan’s need for a physical and versatile striker, paved the way for his move to Italy. Manager Massimiliano Allegri is expected to deploy him across the front line, utilising his power and link-up play to complement Rafael Leão and Chukwueze in attack.

Milan finished in 8th position in Serie A last season and the club will hope Boniface can help challenge for the Scudetto this term.

The San Siro giants' first league game of the season against Cremonese on Saturday may come to soon for Boniface.

The former Union SG forward could, however, be ready to make his Milan debut against Lecce on Friday, August 29.