Victor Boniface rejects blame for AC Milan transfer collapse as he joins Werder Bremen
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has dismissed claims that he was responsible for the collapse of his high-profile transfer to Italian giants AC Milan.
The 24-year-old, unveiled this week by Werder Bremen, said the breakdown of negotiations between AC Milan and his parent club, Bayer Leverkusen, was entirely out of his control.
“The Milan deal not going through, that is not on me. They decided not to proceed. I have a strong mentality. I see life like this: ‘If the deal was meant to happen, it is meant to happen. If it was not meant to happen, I move on to the next thing.’ So, I am not really bothered,” Boniface explained.
Milan had agreed terms with Leverkusen for a loan deal worth €5 million with an option to buy for between €24 and €29 million. The move was abandoned after club doctors raised concerns over Boniface’s right knee, which has undergone two ACL surgeries.
This marked the second major transfer setback for the striker this year. In January, a proposed €70 million move to Saudi side Al Nassr also collapsed after the club shifted focus elsewhere.
Despite the disappointment, Bundesliga side Werder Bremen secured Boniface on transfer deadline day, agreeing a season-long loan until June 2026. Leverkusen is expected to continue covering part of his wages.
In a twist that surprised many, Boniface passed his medicals with Bremen and was formally presented to the media this week.
Bremen head coach Horst Steffen expressed confidence in the Nigerian striker’s ability to make an impact this season.
“Victor is physically incredibly strong, has a very good finish, and excellent pace. He excelled as both a goalscorer and assist provider in Bayer Leverkusen’s championship-winning season. I am sure he can become a key player in our squad this season,” Steffen said.
With Bremen aiming to sharpen their attack, Boniface now faces the challenge of proving his fitness and dispelling doubts that followed the collapse of his Milan move.