AC Milan Reach €40m Victor Boniface Verbal Agreement as Rossoneri Target Bayer Leverkusen Striker

AC Milan have achieved a significant milestone in their quest to bolster their attacking options, with reports confirming that the Rossoneri have reached a full verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface. The development represents a major breakthrough in Milan’s pursuit of the Nigerian international, who has emerged as their primary target after complications arose in negotiations for Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund.

Milan’s Strategic Pivot Towards Victor Boniface

Milan have demonstrated remarkable agility in the transfer market by swiftly moving to secure Victor Boniface after their initial pursuit of Rasmus Højlund encountered significant obstacles. The Danish striker’s preference for a permanent move away from Manchester United complicated matters for the Italian giants, who were exploring various deal structures to accommodate their financial constraints.

According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg and multiple Italian sources, Milan sporting director Igli Tare has personally spearheaded negotiations with both the player and Bayer Leverkusen. The 24-year-old Nigerian striker has reportedly given the green light to join the seven-time European champions, expressing his clear desire to make the move to San Siro.

The verbal agreement between Milan and Victor Boniface represents more than just contractual negotiations; it signifies the player’s belief in the club’s project and his eagerness to compete in Serie A. This positive development has accelerated discussions between the two clubs, with Milan submitting an official offer within the last 48 hours.

Victor Boniface: A Profile of Elite Striking Talent

Victor Boniface brings impressive credentials that make him an ideal fit for Milan’s tactical system under manager Massimiliano Allegri. Born on December 23, 2000, in Akure, Nigeria, the 24-year-old striker stands at 1.90 meters tall and possesses the physical attributes and technical skills necessary to excel in Italy’s demanding top flight.

The Nigerian international’s journey to European prominence began in Norway with Bodø/Glimt, where he accumulated 23 goals and eight assists in 66 appearances between 2019 and 2022. His impressive performances earned him a move to Belgian powerhouse Union Saint-Gilloise, where he continued his remarkable scoring record with 22 goals and 12 assists in 55 competitive appearances.

Victor Boniface’s breakthrough season came after his €23 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023. Despite facing injury setbacks, the striker played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 14 league goals. His contributions helped secure Bayer Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title, establishing him as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.

The Nigerian forward’s versatility and goal-scoring instinct have made him a valuable asset at both club and international level. His memorable Champions League debut goal came against Milan in October 2024, ironically securing a 1-0 victory for Leverkusen at the BayArena. This performance undoubtedly caught the attention of Milan’s scouting network and may have influenced their subsequent pursuit.

Victor Boniface Career Statistics

Tactical Integration and Expected Impact

Milan’s interest in Victor Boniface aligns perfectly with their tactical requirements and long-term squad planning. The striker’s physical presence, combined with his ability to hold up play and bring teammates into attacking moves, makes him an ideal fit for Allegri’s tactical system that emphasizes structured attacking play and defensive solidity.

The Nigerian international’s playing style combines several attributes that should translate effectively to Serie A football. His height and strength provide aerial dominance in both penalty areas, while his technical ability and first touch allow him to contribute to build-up play. Victor Boniface’s movement in the box and clinical finishing have been consistently praised by coaches and analysts throughout his career.

His international experience with Nigeria, including 11 caps and valuable exposure to high-pressure situations, demonstrates his mental fortitude and ability to perform when it matters most. The striker’s goal-scoring record across different leagues and competitions suggests he possesses the adaptability necessary to succeed in Italian football’s tactical complexity.

Milan’s pursuit of Victor Boniface also reflects their commitment to building a squad capable of competing for Champions League qualification and domestic honors. The striker’s youth and potential for further development align with the club’s strategy of investing in players who can contribute immediately while appreciating in value over time.

Financial Structure and Market Dynamics

The financial aspects of Milan’s pursuit of Victor Boniface reflect the modern complexities of elite-level transfers, particularly for clubs operating under Financial Fair Play constraints. Bayer Leverkusen’s initial reluctance to part with their star striker is understandable, given his crucial role in their recent success and his contract running until 2028.

Transfer valuations place Victor Boniface’s market worth at approximately €40 million according to Transfermarkt, reflecting both his proven ability and significant future potential. Milan’s approach to the negotiations demonstrates their understanding of market dynamics and willingness to invest in quality additions to their squad.

The club’s decision to prioritize Victor Boniface over other targets suggests confidence in his ability to adapt to Serie A and contribute immediately to their tactical setup. This assessment likely considers factors beyond pure goal-scoring statistics, including his work rate, pressing intensity, and ability to link play with midfield teammates.

Reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen are currently evaluating Milan’s formal offer, with early indications suggesting a positive response from the German club. The negotiations’ advanced stage and the player’s verbal agreement create momentum that could facilitate a successful conclusion to the transfer.

Transfer Timeline and Key Details

International Recognition and Future Potential

Victor Boniface’s international career trajectory adds significant value to Milan’s potential acquisition, particularly given Italy’s strong tradition of developing and showcasing talent on the global stage. His debut for Nigeria in September 2023 marked the beginning of what promises to be a lengthy international career, with the striker already accumulating 11 caps and one goal for the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian international’s selection for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad, although ultimately curtailed by injury, demonstrated his recognition at the highest level of African football. His recovery from that setback and subsequent strong performances for Leverkusen highlight his resilience and determination to succeed at elite level.

His goal-scoring record in European competition, including crucial strikes in the Europa League and Champions League, provides evidence of his ability to perform in high-stakes matches. These experiences should prove valuable as Milan seeks to return to consistent Champions League participation and European competitiveness.

The striker’s age profile at 24 years old represents optimal timing for a major career move, offering Milan several years of peak performance while maintaining substantial resale value should future circumstances require player sales.

Competition Dynamics and Squad Integration

Milan’s potential acquisition of Victor Boniface would significantly strengthen their attacking options while creating healthy competition within the squad. The Nigerian striker’s versatility allows him to operate effectively as a central striker or in slightly deeper roles, providing tactical flexibility for different match situations.

The presence of fellow Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze at Milan adds an intriguing dimension to the potential transfer, with both players likely to benefit from their shared cultural background and international experience. This connection could facilitate Boniface’s adaptation to Italian football and Milan’s tactical requirements.

His integration into Milan’s squad would also provide valuable depth for their multi-competition commitments, particularly if the club secures Champions League qualification. The physical demands of competing across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and European competition require squad rotation and quality alternatives to maintain performance levels.

The striker’s work ethic and team-oriented approach, consistently praised by his previous coaches, suggest he would adapt well to Milan’s culture and expectations. His willingness to contribute defensively and press from the front aligns with modern tactical requirements and Allegri’s systematic approach.

Historical Context and Transfer Significance

Milan’s pursuit of Victor Boniface represents more than just a squad addition; it symbolizes the club’s ambition to return to the pinnacle of European football. The Rossoneri’s illustrious history includes periods of dominance built around world-class strikers, making the search for elite attacking talent particularly significant.

The potential signing would continue Milan’s tradition of integrating international talent while building competitive squads capable of challenging for major honors. Previous successful acquisitions from the Bundesliga and other European leagues provide templates for how Victor Boniface might contribute to the club’s resurgence.

His potential arrival at San Siro would also represent a significant step in his personal career development, joining one of football’s most prestigious clubs with a rich history of developing and showcasing attacking talent. The opportunity to compete in Serie A and potentially the Champions League would provide the platform for further growth and international recognition.

The timing of this potential transfer aligns with Milan’s broader strategic planning, as the club seeks to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Victor Boniface’s profile as a young, proven goal-scorer with international experience fits perfectly within this framework.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in Negotiations

With the verbal agreement in place between Milan and Victor Boniface, attention now focuses on finalizing arrangements between the two clubs. Bayer Leverkusen’s evaluation of Milan’s formal offer represents the crucial next phase in determining whether this transfer reaches completion.

The German club’s decision will likely consider multiple factors, including their own squad planning, potential replacement options, and the financial terms offered by Milan. Their recent success and Champions League qualification provide negotiating strength, but they may also recognize the player’s desire for a new challenge.

Milan’s persistence in pursuing Victor Boniface demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their attacking options and competing at the highest level. The club’s ability to secure the player’s agreement represents significant progress and suggests confidence in eventually reaching terms with Leverkusen.

The coming days and weeks will prove crucial in determining whether this verbal agreement translates into a completed transfer that could reshape Milan’s attacking dynamics for years to come.

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