The corridors of AC Milan`s training ground are often abuzz with excitement during transfer windows. Yet, the anticipated arrival of striker Victor Boniface has been met not with cheers, but with a palpable sense of apprehension and a cloud of medical uncertainty. His delayed arrival for standard medical examinations has cast a long shadow, prompting a collective gasp from fans already accustomed to transfer market peculiarities.
A Career Dotted by Doctors` Notes
Boniface’s career narrative, unfortunately, reads less like a triumphant ascent and more like a detailed injury report. His physical resilience, or lack thereof, has been a recurring theme. A quick glance at the numbers paints a concerning picture: two ruptured cruciate ligaments, numerous muscular setbacks, and a significant portion of his career spent on the sidelines. For instance, the 2018-19 season saw him miss 34 matches with Bodoe Glimt, followed by a staggering 56 games sidelined in 2020-21. His tenure at Bayer Leverkusen was similarly punctuated by a lengthy absence due to adductor issues, costing him 23 games. These are not mere `niggles`; they represent substantial periods of unavailability.
The Saudi Saga: A Precedent of Concern
This extensive medical dossier isn`t just a historical footnote. It`s the very reason his seemingly straightforward move to Milan is now under intense scrutiny. Adding another layer of complexity is a recent, rather telling, precedent: a proposed transfer to the Saudi League collapsed just weeks ago, reportedly due to `clinical aspects.` While his agents are dutifully present in Milan, Boniface himself remains elusive, with his arrival pushed back to `tomorrow morning.` This delay, whether born of logistical quirks or genuine internal apprehension, screams `due diligence` – and perhaps a little `buyer beware` – from the Milan medical staff.
Milan`s Bet and Fan Frustration
AC Milan, it seems, is keen to proceed with caution. The proposed deal is structured as a €5 million loan with an option to buy for €24 million next summer – a financial arrangement that somewhat mitigates risk, but doesn`t erase it. The question reverberating through the Rossoneri faithful is a pragmatic one: Why pursue a player whose physical fragility has already derailed a prior high-profile move? As one disgruntled fan aptly summarized, “If he couldn`t pass the medicals in Arabia, why would he pass them here? Are we receiving another Amazon package?” This sentiment, unfortunately, is widespread, as supporters, having witnessed significant player sales this summer, expect robust, reliable reinforcements, not another gamble on a `broken` talent.
The coming days will be critical for Victor Boniface and AC Milan. Before the striker can even dream of gracing the San Siro pitch, he must first clear the most formidable hurdle of all: the medical room. It`s a test not just of his current physical state, but of the club`s willingness to gamble on a talent that has, thus far, spent far too much time off the field.