Feyenoord Announces Transfer of Mexican Sensation Santiago Gimenez to AC Milan

Feyenoord and AC Milan have confirmed the signing of Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez (23) to the Serie A club.

Gimenez made the move to Feyenoord from Cruz Azul during the summer of 2022 and has made a significant impact since his arrival. Across all competitions, he has netted 65 goals and provided 12 assists in 105 matches for Feyenoord.

In his two-and-a-half-year spell at Feyenoord, the 23-year-old not only clinched the Dutch Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup, and the Dutch Supercup, but also helped the team reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2023.

Gimenez described his exit from Rotterdam as “very emotional.”

“This will always be my first major club in Europe,” Gimenez stated in a message shared on Feyenoord’s website. “Rotterdam is where I left my home in Mexico, making this departure filled with deep emotions.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this club and in this city over the past two and a half years. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the ‘Legioen’. The affection I received from both them and everyone at the club is something I will carry for the rest of my life.”

AC Milan is reported to have shelled out a transfer fee of €35 million for the highly talented forward, who is set to sign a contract that extends to the summer of 2029 in Northern Italy. Following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Turkish club Galatasaray, Gimenez will take on his position.

Feyenoord’s technical director, Dennis te Kloese, remarked that Milan’s offer was simply “too significant to decline,” even mid-season.

“Losing key players at this juncture is never ideal, especially with so much still to contest,” Te Kloese explained. “We held off for as long as we could, but at some point, there comes a figure that cannot be overlooked, making it difficult to continue saying no while also justifying it to the player.”

Manager Brian Priske expressed that he would have preferred to retain Gimenez for a longer period during the press conference ahead of the Klassieker against Ajax.

“It’s understandable that Brian Priske would like to keep ‘Santi’ around longer,” the director added. “However, we still have a robust squad filled with international talents and luckily, several players are returning from injuries.”

“Moreover, despite the short notice, we are actively exploring options to strengthen our squad in the final days of the transfer window.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Gimenez face his former side again, as AC Milan will go up against Feyenoord in the knockout phase of the Champions League on February 12 and 18, following last week’s draw.

“I reflect on our incredible achievements with pride, with the title and the celebrations in the city standing out as highlights,” Gimenez concluded. “It will be surreal to return in just a week and a half, donning the colours of a different club; nonetheless, I look forward to seeing all my friends at Feyenoord once again.”