Football
Exclusive: Victor Boniface Chooses AC Milan Over Premier League as Transfer Nears Completion
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is set to join AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €40m. He turned down Premier League clubs for the move, citing a preference for Milan's playing style. Despite injury setbacks, he has been a standout player and is now poised for a move to Italy.
FC St. Pauli 1910 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga by Stuart Franklin | Getty Images
Victor Boniface is poised to join AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen, SportsBoom can report exclusively.
According to Italian reports, the Rossoneri shifted their focus to the Nigerian international after negotiations for Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund stalled. United are pushing for a permanent deal, complicating Milan’s initial pursuit of a loan.
Loan deal with obligation to buy
Sources told SportsBoom.com that discussions between Milan and Leverkusen are now at an advanced stage.
The structure of the agreement is expected to be a loan with an obligation to buy for around €40m, plus bonuses and add-ons.
Boniface had also attracted interest from Premier League clubs Everton, Newcastle United and Fulham, but turned both down in favour of a move to Milan.
It is understood Milan offered a more lucrative wage package, while the striker is not convinced that Premier League football suits his style.
Boniface: ‘I always look at the type of football’
Speaking on The Culture League podcast, Boniface outlined his approach when deciding on transfers.
“Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play,” he said.
“Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? Because some players can’t perform well under pressure."
“Before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team.”
Other interest from Spain
Atlético Madrid were also rumoured to have made enquiries about Boniface, but SportsBoom understands that the player’s priority is to join Milan.
Boniface signed for Leverkusen in 2023 and made an immediate impact, scoring 14 goals in 23 Bundesliga matches in his debut campaign. Despite injury problems, he helped Xabi Alonso’s side secure their first-ever Bundesliga title, going unbeaten across the season.
He also scored twice in the DFB-Pokal, and added five goals in the Europa League, where Leverkusen lost to Atalanta in the final. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award, having won the monthly prize four times during the campaign.
Last season
Injuries have again disrupted his 2024/25 season, but he has still managed eight goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.
He remains in training with Leverkusen ahead of the new season, although his future now looks set to be in Italy with AC Milan.
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.