Boniface breaks silence after failed Milan transfer | OneFootball

Victor Boniface admits his Milan transfer collapsed because of ‘past injuries’ and hits back at fans’ criticism: ‘Try to make it to my level…’

Nigeria international Boniface was expected to join Milan from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, but the 24-year-old’s transfer to San Siro collapsed after unsuccessful medical tests last week.

Boniface explains collapsed Milan transfer

HAMBURG, GERMANY – APRIL 20: Victor Boniface of Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli 1910 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Millerntor Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“The move didn’t work out because of my past injuries,” the Bayer Leverkusen star told Punch in the first interview since his collapsed Milan transfer.

“I had a knee injury twice on my right leg, and it has been there for a long time.”

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – JULY 07: Victor Boniface attends a training session of Bayer 04 Leverkusen after resume of summer break at Training Ground on July 07, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Boniface had knee surgeries in 2019 and 2020 and missed several games in 2024-25 due to muscle issues.

The Nigerian striker has been criticised in Germany because of the number of games he missed last term, but he replied: “Try to make it to my level before you insult me.”

Milan agreement for Harder after failed Boniface move

FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 31: Conrad Harder of Sporting CP in action during warm up before the start of the Portuguese Super Cup match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estadio Algarve on July 31, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until June 2028.

He has scored 32 goals in 61 appearances with the Bundesliga side, winning the domestic title in 2023-24 under Xabi Alonso.

Following Boniface’s collapsed transfer, Milan have reached an agreement to sign Sporting CP forward Conrad Harder for €27m, including add-ons.