Many referred to the February 2025 signing of Santiago Giménez from Feyenoord by AC Milan as a gamble. The Mexican striker arrived with high expectations and a hefty price tag. Milan needed a new goal scorer, but it was risky to spend so much money on a player from the Dutch league. What drove Milan to make this move, and can Giménez deliver on the gamble?
The uncertainty around the signing:
Spending €32 million on one player is like placing a high-stakes bet at a gambling site, especially when the player is an unproven talent such as Giménez. While the club hopes the reward will be big, there is always a chance that the striker will not live up to the price tag and end up as a failure.
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In many ways, football transfers are not so different. Clubs also weigh the odds carefully before committing their resources, hoping that the payoff will justify the risk. That was the case when AC Milan chose to invest in Santiago Giménez, a bold move that could bring great rewards but also carried clear risks.
The main risks around the deal:
Let us have a closer look at the main risks surrounding this big money move:
- Serie A is harder: Italian defenses are tougher to beat, and strikers often find fewer chances.
- Injuries: A new league can be more physical, and injuries can stop momentum.
- Pressure: Milan has a long and proud history. The fans and media expect results immediately.
- Competition: Other strikers could take his place if he does not perform.
All of these factors add uncertainty to Milan’s investment. The club is betting not only on Giménez’s talent, but also on his ability to adapt quickly and withstand the challenges of Italian football.
The cost of the deal and expectations:
Milan paid €32 million to Feyenoord as Giménez signed a deal running until 2029. For the Dutch club, it was one of their biggest sales ever. With 65 goals in 105 appearances, Giménez had proven himself as one of the most effective strikers in the Eredivisie, convincing Milan that he could add much-needed firepower to their team.
In making such a huge signing, Milan expects the striker to hit the ground running. He was expected to score important goals in both Serie A matches and Europe games. The administrators at San Siro as well as Giménez’s entourage must be aware that fans and the media will judge him quickly should he not meet up with the set expectations.
Since the move, we can say that the striker who was expected to be the centrepiece of Milan’s attack for years has not lived up to the billing yet. There’s still hope however that the Mexican frontman can turn things around.
Why Milan thought the player was worth it:
So why spend that amount on Giménez? The Rossoneri are run by some of the most experienced figures in football, and it is fair to assume they weighed the decision carefully. These are the main reasons why they believed the Mexican forward justified such a significant investment:
- Proven Goal Scorer – At Feyenoord, Giménez delivered in both league matches and cup competitions. His scoring record in the Netherlands ranked among the best outside Europe’s top five leagues.
- Age and Playing Style – At just 23 years old, he is entering his prime. Strong, tall, and energetic, Giménez presses defenders relentlessly while also posing a constant aerial and physical threat. This combination of attributes made him an appealing long-term option for Milan.
- Future Value – Milan were also looking ahead. If Giménez adapts and scores regularly in Serie A, his market value will rise. That would strengthen the team on the pitch and potentially secure a profitable resale should the club choose to move him on in the future.
In short, Gimenez represented for the AC Milan club management at the time an immediate reinforcement but also a strategic investment for the future.
Early signs after joining Milan:
Giménez’s first months at Milan produced mixed results: the table below shows exactly how he performed. He scored on his Serie A debut against Empoli on 8 February 2025 and added another important strike in a 1–0 win against Hellas Verona.
Overall, last season he made 14 Serie A appearances for Milan and scored 5 goals. At the start of the 2025–26 season, he has 0 goals in 3 appearances and he is struggling to find the back of the net under Allegri's guidance.
Giménez has the talent but still needs time. His movement and shooting statistics are encouraging, though he still has fewer goals overall in Serie A than he did in the Netherlands.
Final thoughts:
AC Milan’s signing of Santiago Giménez is a bold move. The club spent big money because they believe in his record, age, and potential. However, the transfer carries risk. The pressure at Milan is on another level, and Serie A is a more demanding league than the Eredivisie.
Gimenez has so far displayed flashes of brilliance. But, it will be some time before anyone can tell if this risk is worthwhile.
