With one assist in the Coppa Italia and a left-footed strike in the league, Santiago Gimenez had first set up Joao Felix (a delightful chip against Roma) and then sealed the win with the second goal away to Empoli: controlled the ball outside the box, advanced, and curled it in with his left foot. “Santi subito” (Santi right away) was the first chant from Milan fans: Gimenez had made a major impact in the Rossoneri world and was already being projected into the pantheon of great strikers. The fans’ prayers for a true goal-scoring center-forward had been answered — and he, after celebrating with the team, knelt in prayer.
Santiago Gimenez's downturn at Milanello...
Just as quickly, Santi vanished from the scene: he hasn't scored in nearly two months, hasn’t started in the last three matches (including the decisive one against Napoli for the remaining Champions League hopes, and the derby — which is always the derby), and two nights ago against Fiorentina, he came on and then was subbed off due to injury. A knock to the side that's still painful and may require further medical tests — more will be understood in the coming hours. In Friday’s early kickoff in Udine, it’s unlikely he’ll play regardless of his fitness issues.
And here’s the point: from first-choice and big winter signing, Gimenez has become not even the second, but the third option. That’s what the last game at San Siro revealed: Abraham started, and when Conceição tried to spark a comeback, he turned to Luka Jovic first, and only 10 minutes into the second half — partly due to Tammy’s subpar condition — did Santiago come on. In his 25 minutes on the pitch, he took one shot (wide, from a good position) and charged toward De Gea, an opportunity that could’ve become Milan’s 3–2 winner — instead, he ended up injured on the ground.
There was another chance that could’ve revived him: a left-wing run and a cross that Theo wasted by sending out of play instead of squaring it to a completely unmarked Gimenez in the middle. From there, it would’ve been impossible to miss — a potential goal similar to the one against Verona, when Leao had teed him up on the goal line. That remains his last Serie A strike, back on February 15. Since then: five starts, no goals, and a slow drop to the bench. The many Mexican journalists in the San Siro stands wore the same expression he did: the striker looks lost, almost afraid. Beyond physical recovery, he’ll also need psychological support.
There’s no doubt that Gimenez remains the first-choice striker for Milan’s new era. The 28.5 million euros January investment must be repaid: his three goals so far have cost around €9.5 million each. He’ll have time to justify the price and the patience.
What are the alternative options for AC Milan?
At the same time, the club will need to strengthen the department: another striker could arrive this summer. Abraham is on loan and Jovic is always on the list of likely departures. Behind Gimenez, only young Francesco Camarda would remain — and a loan move for him would be ideal for growth and playing time.
Nothing has been finalized: Tammy’s potential permanence depends on the Saelemaekers deal with Roma. Different players, roles, and costs — but not entirely unrelated transactions. The Rossoneri club may try to keep the English striker, whose wages are currently above Roma’s standards. At Milan, he’s earned minutes through goals and hard work, never complaining about being a backup.
Jovic, meanwhile, has scored in back-to-back games — making the most of his opportunities, as he had done last season too. Does a backup like that deserve another chance? Milan always have the option to trigger a one-year renewal. The decision will lie with the next coach. For now, the Rossoneri’s last four goals have come from two men: two from Tammy, two from Luka.
The Future
Other options will arise in the transfer market: Lorenzo Lucca, with twelve goals in 33 appearances this season, is a strong candidate. He has the physicality and attributes that the new Milan could use, regardless of what style of play the next coach implements. Udinese are asking for around 35 million euros, which could spark a bidding war with Inter.
Another name that’s resurfaced is Jonathan David from Lille. “Offered” in a manner of speaking — his costs, both in terms of commissions and wages, are extremely high.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
