A new name has appeared on AC Milan’s list of striker options and it is Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, according to a report.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, nine months ago Milan got a first-hand look at Boniface in their 1-0 defeat against Leverkusen in the Champions League. What did they see? A goal disallowed for offside, and then him netting the winner.
Nine months later, there is news: Boniface is one of the centre-forwards being evaluated by Milan. They like him and an exploratory survey has already been carried out, but he is one of a few profiles on the list.
Boniface has all the characteristics of the No.9 wanted by Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri. He has physique and good technique, he knows how to finish inside the box and he can hold the ball up to bring others on to play.
He netted 21 goals in 2023-24 (14 in the Bundesliga, five in the Europa League) but only 11 in the last season, complicated by injuries. At the beginning of 2025, there was talk of a valuation of €50-60m for him when Al-Nassr came in, but he is no longer worth as much.
Could Boniface be taken for a figure between €30-40m? The negotiation is still to be held but yes, it is possible. As for the salary, it wouldn’t be a problem, though the big factor that must be reflected on is his injury history.
Boniface has two knee surgeries behind him and in 2024-25 he had a thigh muscle injury. He has impressive physical stature but is not always able to be consistent: he played 19 games in the Bundesliga last season, 23 in the previous one, 31 in Belgium two years ago.
However, age is on his side – he will turn 25 two days before Christmas – and Milan, playing only one game a week, will give everyone time to rest and manage the efforts. In this, the combination is perfect.