MILAN, Italy – August 20, 2025
As the transfer window approaches its fever pitch, AC Milan finds itself in the familiar, frantic scramble for a new number nine. With mere days left to solidify their attacking options, the Rossoneri are engaged in a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and currently, the spotlight shines brightest on Bayer Leverkusen`s Nigerian forward, Victor Boniface.
The urgency is palpable. Milan`s sporting director, Igli Tare, has reportedly made significant headway in discussions for Boniface, with an agreement between the clubs appearing imminent. The proposed deal is a “loan with an option to buy” – a preferred formula that offers financial flexibility, or perhaps, a cautious hedge. German sources suggest a potential €5 million loan fee, followed by an option to make the move permanent for approximately €28 million. Such figures indicate a significant investment, yet one designed to defer a substantial outlay, a classic maneuver in modern football economics.
Crucially, Boniface himself is said to be receptive to a move to Milan, which is always half the battle won in any transfer saga. The club`s ambition is clear: to secure their primary attacking target by the end of the week. This tight deadline underscores the need for swift action and decisive negotiation. The final green light, as is often the case, awaits the approval of CEO Giorgio Furlani, who will undoubtedly be scrutinizing every decimal point before giving the definitive nod.
The Road Less Travelled: Alternatives and Complications
While Boniface now leads the charge, Milan`s path to finding their ideal striker has been anything but linear. Rasmus Hojlund, the Danish international from Manchester United, was previously considered a front-runner. However, negotiations hit a significant speed bump. Hojlund, it seems, is keen on a permanent exit from Old Trafford, signaling a desire for a clean break rather than another temporary arrangement. Milan, initially proposing a loan with an option, eventually conceded to a conditional obligation to buy, but the fundamental difference in transfer philosophy has resulted in a stalemate. It`s the football equivalent of two drivers trying to merge onto the same lane, each convinced their approach is superior.
Another name lingering in the wings is Conrad Harder, the promising 20-year-old from Sporting Lisbon. Milan did table a concrete offer, reportedly around €25 million for a permanent transfer. Yet, despite the tangible proposal, Harder is not considered the Rossoneri`s first choice. This suggests a strategic prioritization, or perhaps, the acknowledgment that while Harder possesses potential, he isn`t the immediate solution Milan desperately seeks for their attacking line-up. He remains a viable Plan B, albeit one with a price tag that raises eyebrows for a non-priority target.
The Grand Prix of the Center Forward
The search for a prolific striker is often the most captivating aspect of any transfer window, fraught with intrigue, whispered rumors, and last-minute twists. For Milan, this period is a microcosm of that universal football narrative. They need a player who can step into the `number nine` role, shoulder the immense pressure, and deliver goals. Whether Boniface can be that player remains to be seen, but the club`s determination to finalize his acquisition suggests confidence.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on Milan`s management team. Will they cross the finish line with Boniface, securing the player they now seem to favor? Or will the “grand prize of the center forward” take yet another unexpected turn, pushing the Rossoneri onto a different, more desperate path? The next few days promise to be pivotal in defining AC Milan`s attacking prowess for the season ahead.
Murray Blackwood