Comparing Injury Records of Boniface and Nkunku After AC Milan Agree To Sign Chelsea Striker
- Chelsea have accepted AC Milan's bid for Christopher Nkunku as the French forward nears a move to Serie A
- The Italian giants were initially supposed to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, but the deal fell through
- AC Milan had cancelled the deal for the Nigerian forward after an extensive medical
AC Milan have made headlines once again in the transfer market, this time shifting their attention from Nigerian forward Victor Boniface to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
The Italian giants, who were initially on the verge of sealing a loan deal for Boniface, cancelled the move after the player reportedly failed his medical examination.
Source: Getty Images
Now, Milan have agreed a permanent deal for Nkunku, but the decision has sparked intense debate among football fans, especially Nigerians, who are weighing the injury records of both players.
AC Milan cancel Boniface deal over medical concerns
Boniface’s transfer to AC Milan was all but sealed after both clubs verbally agreed on a deal worth €5 million for a loan and a €24 million option to buy.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker even travelled to Milan within 48 hours for his medicals. However, the deal collapsed after reports indicated that the 24-year-old Super Eagles star had failed mandatory tests.
Boniface’s injury record
Boniface’s injury history has been a major talking point in his career.
He suffered a cruciate ligament tear (ACL) in March 2019 that sidelined him for 179 days.
Another devastating ACL injury in November 2020 forced him out for 358 days, almost an entire season, per Transfermarkt.
More recently, in 2024, the Nigerian forward endured an adductor injury that kept him out of action for 85 days.
These recurring setbacks appear to have influenced Milan’s final decision to walk away from the deal.
AC Milan turn to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku
Following the collapse of Boniface’s transfer, Milan quickly turned their attention to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
Source: Getty Images
The French forward, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig in 2022, is set to leave Stamford Bridge after just two years.
AC Milan have agreed a £36 million deal with Chelsea, while also inserting a sell-on clause in the agreement, GOAL reports.
Nkunku has reportedly accepted a pay cut to complete the switch to Italy and is expected to sign a five-year contract.
He has already been granted permission to travel for his medical, with Milan optimistic about finalising the deal.
Injury Records: Boniface vs Nkunku
The debate surrounding Milan’s decision has intensified as fans compare the injury records of both strikers.
While Boniface’s two ACL injuries and recurring groin problems raise red flags, Nkunku has also had his share of long-term injuries.
Since 2020, Nkunku has suffered a series of issues, including a torn lateral knee ligament, torn muscle fibre, knee problems, a hip injury, and multiple hamstring setbacks.
Collectively, these injuries have sidelined him for 461 days. By contrast, since Boniface’s second ACL setback in 2020, he has missed 165 days, significantly fewer than Nkunku.
This comparison has left many questioning Milan’s rationale in picking Nkunku over Boniface.
Boniface turns disappointment into a blessing
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Victor Boniface has declared his intentions of establishing a football academy in Nigeria.
In a post on Instagram, the 24-year-old specifically mentioned that the academy would be situated in Akure, Ondo state.
Source: Legit.ng
