AC Milan have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Nigerian striker Victor Boniface on loan, with the deal including a €30 million (£25m/$35m) option to buy, and only personal terms remain to be finalised before the transfer is completed.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that formal documents are already being exchanged, while Boniface’s representatives are in Italy to settle personal details with the Rossoneri.
Boniface, 23, joined Leverkusen from Belgian side Union SG in 2023 for €22m and enjoyed a stunning debut season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists as Xabi Alonso’s side won their first-ever Bundesliga title and reached the Europa League final unbeaten.
However, his 2024-25 campaign was blighted by injuries, limiting his impact during Leverkusen’s title defence.
The striker had been close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January, but the move collapsed when the Riyadh club opted to sign Jhon Durán instead.
For Leverkusen, Boniface’s departure marks another high-profile exit following their historic campaign; Florian Wirtz has joined Liverpool, Jonathan Tah has moved to Bayern Munich, and Granit Xhaka signed for Sunderland, leaving new coach Erik ten Hag with the daunting task of rebuilding the squad.
Milan, meanwhile, have been searching for firepower, with Santiago Giménez committed to the club, Luka Jović leaving as a free agent, and Tammy Abraham returning to Roma after his loan spell, manager Massimiliano Allegri had just one recognised striker.
Efforts to land Dusan Vlahović from Juventus and a loan move for Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United both stalled, paving the way for Boniface’s arrival.
For Boniface, the switch to Serie A offers the chance to revive his career after an injury-hit year.
For Milan, it adds depth and attacking variety as they prepare for a season in which Allegri is expected to mount a serious Scudetto challenge.