Sunderland could go back in for Santiago Gimenez – why it would be a big risk
Santiago Gimenez is one to watch for Sunderland fans ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Mexican forward was of interest to the Black Cats at the back end of 2025, before he sustained an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for over three months.
Italian outlet Tuttosport report that Gimenez is expected to leave the Rossoneri this summer, and that Premier League sides continue to hold interest in the 24-year-old.
Gimenez proved fantastic at Feyenoord following his first move to Europe, scoring 65 goals in 105 matches.
Though he has found the back of the net just seven times in Milan, there is no real route to a starting spot under Massimiliano Allegri.
Once one of the most highly-rated young forwards in Europe, Sunderland would be taking a big risk should they reignite their interest.
Santiago Gimenez’s time in Milan could put clubs off
Since making his move to Feyenoord in 2022, Gimenez has consistently been tipped for moves across the continent thanks to his impressive goal record at De Kuip.
Starring both domestically and in Europe, the Mexican earned his place as one of the continent’s most highly-rated young forwards.
Gimenez would get his move away in January 2025, joining AC Milan, where he started fantastically.
The Mexican has since scored seven times for the club, though only one of these has came this season, with six of these coming during his early months of the season.
After scoring in a 2-1 win against Fiorentina in October, Gimenez would require ankle surgery less than two weeks later, and has been sidelined since.
Santiago Gimenez might not be readily made for Sunderland
An integral part of Sunderland’s game model in the Premier League this season, has been the physicality of Brian Brobbey up top.
The Dutch forward has become an instant hit at the Stadium of Light, with his presence allowing him to bully defenders in the top flight.
While Gimenez is an excellent finisher, stylistically he doesn’t quite fit the current way of playing on Wearside.
Much more nimble and comfortable in tighter spaces, the signing of Gimenez would work if Regis Le Bris were to deploy a more possession-based system upon their Premier League survival.
If not, Sunderland would run the risk of utilising the Mexican incorrectly, likely bringing out the ‘physicality’ stereotype of the Premier League, when the difference would mainly be a stylistic one rather than quality.
Gimenez’s rough run in Italy doesn’t change the fact that he could be a top European forward.
However, any club in for his signature simply has to ensure that he is someone who fits the bill – especially with a fee likely to be in the range of £20-30million.
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