Milan – Cremonese: Is Milan ambitious or gambling with Boniface?

23/08/2025 15:07:00 ChampionChatter

While chasing Rasmus Hojlund or Dusan Vlahovic, Milan unexpectedly reversed course, preparing to secure striker Victor Boniface on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. This deal is financially sensible but also a bold gamble Milan must place.

According to trustworthy reports, Milan has agreed with Leverkusen to bring Boniface to San Siro. They will spend about 5 million euros on the loan deal and 25-27 million euros for the purchase option at the end of the season. The player’s expected salary is approximately 2.5 million euros per year, which is reasonable and more achievable than Hojlund or Vlahovic. However, instead of enthusiasm, most fans have reacted with doubt and worry.

The primary concern is Boniface’s troubling injury record. His medical history is described as "spine-chilling." He had two cruciate ligament surgeries in 2019 and 2020, a serious groin injury that sidelined him for three months in January 2024, and most recently a thigh injury in November 2024 that caused him to miss 12 matches and impacted the remainder of the season. Even during this pre-season preparation, he was already "overloaded" in the first training sessions. In 2025, the number of games missed due to injury exceeded the goals scored. This might explain why Leverkusen quickly accepted Milan’s proposal.

There are also worries about his temperament. Boniface is said to have a "very difficult personality." People still recall the incident when he lost his temper, shouted, and even pushed teammate Buendia on the field last March. His relationship with Leverkusen has cooled down since the failed transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in January. Additionally, his absence during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and the risk of adapting to a new league are factors that must be considered.

Boniface might be too risky a gamble for Milan.

A double-edged gamble for Milan

Despite many risks, it is undeniable that when fit, Victor Boniface is a quality striker. He has scored 72 goals in 179 matches since the start of his career, a decent record for a forward who has yet to reach his peak (born December 2000). Alongside that are 28 assists, a notable statistic. If he can play regularly, he could easily contribute 15-20 goals per season for Milan and add even more to the team’s scoring.

More importantly, with his tall stature (1.90m) and powerful playing style, Boniface is a completely different type of center forward compared to Santiago Gimenez. His presence would give coach Massimiliano Allegri more tactical options, either supporting or replacing Gimenez depending on the situation—something not clearly offered by either Hojlund or Vlahovic. Bringing in Boniface is not just about adding another scorer but also diversifying Milan’s attacking strategies.

This strategy shows Milan’s ambition not only to return to the Serie A top 4 but also to aim for the Scudetto. With major rivals facing their own challenges, Rossoneri’s leadership seems willing to take risks to secure a player who might deliver a breakthrough. If Boniface can maintain his fitness and shine, Milan will have a real bargain. But if this gamble fails, it could have serious consequences. Betting on a player with so many "red flags" like Boniface is a move that could ruin an entire season.

Tomorrow night, Milan will kick off their journey with a Serie A opener against newly promoted Cremonese at home in San Siro. It is considered a manageable challenge and an opportunity to start the season with a victory.

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