The news of Nigerian and Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface‘s much-anticipated move to AC Milan took an unexpected turn, sparking mixed reactions on the internet this week.
Naija News reports that news from Germany indicates the proposed deal collapsed due to concerns about Victor Boniface’s fitness and medical history.
According to BILD, the transfer stalled despite Boniface undergoing four separate medical tests in Italy, prompting the Rossoneri to pull out of the deal.
The striker has since returned to Germany, leaving uncertainty over his next career move.
Boniface visited Italy for a loan move that included a €5 million fee and a €24 million buy option. But the transfer hinged entirely on medical clearance, which never came.
As BILD noted, “reports claimed that earlier injuries, including two cruciate ligament tears, led Milan to require additional knee examinations.”
Italian media reported the right knee was still not fully recovered, prompting further tests, and AS said the deal was “temporarily suspended” as Milan evaluated other options like Dusan Vlahović.
Boniface Subjected To Medical Evaluations, Camera Show Up
Described by Gazzetta dello Sport as a “fragile giant,” Boniface was reportedly subjected to multiple medical evaluations, including in Milan’s trusted orthopaedic hospitals, before the deal unraveled.
Commentators slammed Milan’s handling of the situation, suggesting such negotiations should have been done away from the cameras.
Football Italia noted that “Milan unfairly and pointlessly subjected the Nigerian to cameras and selfies, knowing full well the move was at risk,” calling the process mishandled.
Meanwhile, Boniface himself reportedly expressed frustration, with media quoting him referring to “clowns everywhere” in reaction to the collapsed move.
Victor Boniface’s Injury History
Naija News reports that Victor Boniface’s medical troubles stem from two serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears between 2019 and 2021 during his time at Bodø/Glimt, injuries that are known to raise future risk.
In Milan, he underwent four different medicals across facilities like La Madonnina, Centro Ambrosiano, and the orthopaedic powerhouse, Galeazzi Institute, only to be deemed not yet 100 per cent fit.
Below is a summary of Victor Boniface’s injury history as a professional footballer.
| Injury Type | Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ACL Tear (Glimt) | Mar–Sep 2019 | 179 days |
| ACL Tear (Glimt) | Nov 2020–Nov 2021 | 358 days |
| Adductor Injury | Jan–Apr 2024 | 85 days |
| Hamstring Injury | Nov–Dec 2024 | 30 days |
| Knock | Oct 2024 | 5 days |
| Thigh/Upper thigh Issues | May 2025 | ~11 days |
| Illness | Mid-May 2025 | 4 days |
Naija News reports that over the years, several world-class footballers have seen their dream transfers collapse after failing medical examinations.
Yet, many of them bounced back to enjoy illustrious careers, proving that a failed test is not always the end of the road.
Below Are Football Legends That Failed Medicals Could Not End Their Careers
1. Kanu Nwankwo (1996)
Fresh from winning Olympic gold with Nigeria in Atlanta, Kanu sealed a move from Ajax to Inter Milan in 1996.
During his medicals, doctors discovered a serious heart defect and even advised him to quit football. Inter could have cancelled the deal, but stood by him.
After undergoing surgery and spending five months out, Kanu returned, went on to play for Arsenal, won the UEFA Cup, two Premier League titles, and enjoyed a 14-year career at the top.
2. Ruud van Nistelrooy (2000)
Manchester United agreed an £18.5m fee for Van Nistelrooy in April 2000, but he failed his medical due to a knee issue.
Shockingly, a day later, he ruptured his cruciate ligament in training.
Sir Alex Ferguson refused to give up, and United returned a year later to sign him for £19m. Van Nistelrooy repaid the faith with 150 goals in five seasons.
3. John Hartson (2000)
Wimbledon striker John Hartson was set for a £6.5m switch to Rangers in 2000, only for doctors to raise concerns about his knee.
Moves to Spurs and Charlton also collapsed. But Celtic took the gamble in 2001. Hartson rewarded them with 109 goals and legendary status among fans.
4. Andrey Arshavin (2009)
The Russian’s transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg to Arsenal nearly collapsed after a heart-related issue was flagged in his medical.
The deal eventually went through 24 hours after deadline day. Arshavin went on to score 31 goals for the Gunners, including his famous four-goal haul at Anfield and the winner against Barcelona in the Champions League.
5. Radamel Falcao (2016)
Injuries derailed Falcao’s career during his Chelsea loan. When Monaco recalled him in 2016, he failed their medical, and a proposed move to Atletico Madrid collapsed.
Yet, he bounced back spectacularly, firing Monaco to the 2017 Champions League semi-finals.
6. Victor Valdés (2014)
Barcelona legend Victor Valdés signed a pre-contract with Monaco, but a cruciate ligament injury ended the deal.
Monaco pulled out, leaving him clubless. Manchester United eventually offered him a lifeline, bringing him in as David de Gea’s deputy.
7. Gabriel Milito (2003)
Real Madrid scrapped plans to sign Milito in 2003 after their doctors flagged a knee problem.
The Argentine joined Real Zaragoza instead, playing over 170 games in four years before moving to Barcelona in 2007.
8. Loïc Rémy (2014)
Liverpool believed they had secured Loïc Rémy from QPR in 2014, but he failed his medical due to a heart problem.
Chelsea later activated his release clause, and Rémy went on to win the Premier League with the Blues.
9. Nabil Fekir (2018)
Liverpool were close to sealing a €60m deal for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir in 2018, but the move collapsed over concerns about an old knee injury.
Months later, Fekir lifted the World Cup with France and later became a key figure at Real Betis.
10. Demba Ba (2011)
Senegal striker Demba Ba failed medicals at Stuttgart (2009) and Stoke City (2011).
Still, he thrived in England with West Ham, Newcastle, and Chelsea, famously punishing Steven Gerrard’s slip in 2014 to score one of the Premier League’s most memorable goals.
The post Victor Boniface Vs AC Milan: 10 Footballers Who Became Successful Despite Failed Medicals appeared first on Naija News.
