AC Milan have secured the signing of highly-rated Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord, with the player expected to arrive in Milan on Sunday for medical examinations before attending the Derby della Madonnina later in the evening as a spectator.
The deal, worth close to €40 million including bonuses, comes after an intense period of negotiations. Feyenoord were initially reluctant to part with their star forward midway through the season, particularly with a UEFA Champions League playoff against Milan looming. The Dutch side had hoped to delay the transfer until the summer, but Gimenez’s determination to join the Italian giants immediately proved decisive in sealing the move.
Milan have been tracking the 22-year-old striker since the summer when Feyenoord made a verbal commitment that the player could leave under the right conditions. Despite their attempts to retain him, Milan’s persistence, along with Gimenez’s insistence on the move, brought the deal to completion. Club executives Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada, and Zlatan Ibrahimović played key roles in finalising the agreement, which accelerates Milan’s ambitions to bolster their attacking options.
Negotiations included the typical highs and lows associated with a major January transfer, but in the end, Milan’s willingness to meet Feyenoord’s demands ensured the breakthrough. Gimenez is expected to sign a long-term contract, with official confirmation likely to follow after his medical tests.
The urgency to complete the transfer was heightened by several factors within Milan’s current squad. Alvaro Morata’s expected move to Galatasaray left Milan short of experienced options in attack, while young talent Francesco Camarda is set to join Monza on loan. Noah Okafor, who was brought in last summer, also remains a potential departure, further emphasising Milan’s need for reinforcements.
In addition to Gimenez, the Rossoneri are targeting a move for Joao Felix, with talks progressing for the Portuguese forward to join on loan from Chelsea. Super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is currently in Italy and expected to meet Milan’s hierarchy after speaking to Juventus, is orchestrating negotiations. The club is hopeful that Mendes’s involvement could unlock additional opportunities, potentially including Benfica’s highly-rated defender Antonio Silva, should Fikayo Tomori leave.
For Milan, Gimenez’s signing is part of a broader strategy to build a squad capable of contending both domestically and in Europe. The striker enjoyed a prolific run at Feyenoord, helping the Dutch club win the Eredivisie and becoming one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. His arrival offers Milan a powerful attacking option as they aim to challenge for the Serie A title and make a deep run in the Champions League.
Milan fans will get their first glimpse of their new signing on Sunday, albeit from the stands, as the Rossoneri face Inter in a crucial Milan derby. Gimenez’s presence is expected to add extra excitement to an already electric atmosphere at San Siro.
As Milan’s transfer window activity heats up, fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments, particularly on Joao Felix and other potential reinforcements. For now, though, Santiago Gimenez is set to be the latest addition to a team determined to recapture its glory days.
