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Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has opened up on the real reasons behind AC Milan’s decision to back out of a loan move for Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface during the last transfer window.
Naija News reports that Boniface, who eventually sealed a temporary switch to Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, had travelled to Milan and even undergone medical checks before the club abruptly ended talks.
Speaking to Milan Vibes, Di Marzio said Milan’s medical team flagged concerns after a detailed review of the forward’s fitness. According to him, the club knew about Boniface’s injury history but wanted to be completely sure before committing to the deal.
“With Boniface, Milan was aware of the physical issues the player had faced. We’re not talking about a club that didn’t know his medical history and career path. They simply wanted to be extra sure about his physical condition, also looking ahead to the future, even though it was a loan,” Di Marzio said.
He explained that Milan’s cautious stance was not unusual, noting that clubs tend to be even more careful when assessing players who have had previous injuries.
“Sometimes, when you invest 40 million to buy a player, past problems weigh even more. But in this case, regardless of it being a loan, after reviewing his medical record, both past and present, the club decided to move towards a player who was more ready and could provide stronger guarantees,” he added.
Di Marzio also defended Milan’s decision to carry out the medicals in Italy, describing it as the most transparent approach possible.
“It wasn’t ideal, in terms of form, to have the player arrive and then send him back, but it was a more transparent and less hypocritical approach than others who conduct medicals abroad and keep quiet when a deal falls through,” he explained.
“Here, everyone knew the player had arrived, and the club made a decision. It’s unfortunate for the player because I know he was eager to wear the Milan shirt. But these things happen, just like with Harder, who had a contract practically signed and documents already exchanged.”
According to the Italian journalist, Milan’s shifting priorities might have played a part in their final decision, especially as the club explored a possible move for Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
“Maybe you get the chance to sign Nkunku, and you judge that he’s more useful for both the present and the future than a player who still needed to be fully assessed,” he said.
Boniface, 24, has since joined Werder Bremen on loan and made four substitute appearances in the Bundesliga. He has already notched one assist in Bremen’s 4-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach as he works to rediscover his form and fitness.
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