Mystery medical check: How did Boniface survive at Werder?
A week ago, striker Victor Boniface underwent a medical check at AC Milan – it wasn't enough. However, he passed Werder Bremen's medical on Monday. Why was that?
Before a new player is signed in professional football, one thing is always mandatory: the medical check. All players from the first to the third division must complete it. But what exactly is involved? And how important is the result in the transfer decision?
On Monday, Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface underwent a medical checkup with Werder Bremen's team doctor. He gave his approval, and managing director Clemens Fritz decided to grant him a loan. A week earlier, Boniface had already completed a medical with top Italian club AC Milan – but he failed the test, and the transfer did not materialize.
Test procedure determined by DOSB and DFLSo, did Werder miss something? Or are the tests in Italy different from those in Germany? Neither. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) specifies in its regulations how a medical check must be conducted at a club. The German Football League (DFL) also states in its licensing regulations under paragraph 2.4 that "players' fitness to play must be proven after a prescribed medical examination. This must be done annually at the start of a new season and upon transfer."
The tests are therefore carried out according to the same criteria; the players are examined from head to toe. These include internal medicine, with blood pressure measurements, blood draws, tests of the function of internal organs, especially the heart and kidneys, and even maximum physical exertion on an ergometer. This is followed by an orthopedic examination, specifically tailored to football, with a particular focus on bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints. Their vaccination records are also checked.
Boniface with thick medical recordsA player's injury history plays a key role in the examination. Here, the doctor checks to what extent old injuries have healed and assesses the likelihood of future injuries in that area. In Boniface's case, his medical record is already relatively thick for a 24-year-old. Among other things, the striker has already suffered two cruciate ligament tears, resulting in two knee surgeries.
After reviewing his injury history, the doctor in Milan concluded that there was a risk of another injury and therefore advised club officials against the transfer. The Werder team doctor had the same medical records in front of him and would certainly have recognized the risk posed by the previous injuries.
It's all a matter of interpretationThe difference is: Due to their financially strained situation, Werder Bremen doesn't have the same options as AC Milan. Therefore, Bremen consciously decided to take the risk with Boniface—even without having many alternatives.
A medical check isn't a test where you always pass or fail based on certain criteria. Rather, the results are interpreted by the team doctor and the club. It's a balancing act between risk and benefit. And Werder hopes that the benefits will be greater for Boniface.
We're aware of the problem and have gained a comprehensive understanding of him. He knows his body very well and knows how to deal with it. (Werder CEO Clemens Fritz about Victor Boniface)
This topic in the program: Sportblitz, September 1, 2025, 6:06 PM
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