Capello Warns: Milan’s Boniface Deal Is a Risky Gamble

Legendary coach Fabio Capello has voiced concerns over AC Milan’s decision to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, calling the move a ‘gamble’ due to the striker’s injury history and lack of Serie A experience.

Boniface arrived in Milan on Friday for his medical, following a €5 million loan agreement with Leverkusen and a €24 million purchase option. The Rossoneri turned to the Nigerian forward after failed negotiations for Rasmus Højlund and Dušan Vlahović.

Capello, writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, acknowledged Boniface’s technical talent but questioned his reliability:

‘He’s gifted but has been stopped too often by injuries.’

Indeed, Boniface has endured two ACL injuries during his time at Bodø/Glimt and has missed significant stretches over the past two seasons with Leverkusen due to muscular issues.

His upcoming participation in AFCON also means Milan could be without him for several weeks mid-season, further complicating Massimiliano Allegri’s plans.

Capello compared Milan’s strategy to Napoli’s more targeted approach under Antonio Conte, highlighting signings like Buongiorno, McTominay, and Lukaku as examples of building a spine capable of challenging for the title.

‘Milan should have done the same for Allegri,’ Capello wrote. ‘Instead, they’ve opted for a striker who needs time to adapt to Serie A, unlike Højlund who already knows the league from his time at Atalanta.’

Capello also criticized the financial reasoning behind the move, noting Milan’s substantial earnings from player sales this summer—reportedly close to €200 million.

‘If you’re chasing the Scudetto, shouldn’t you invest in a guaranteed goal-scorer?’