Premier League giants Manchester United are reportedly watching Santiago Gimenez and the striker’s father believes Feyenoord would struggle to turn down a bid of £25 million.
Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane and even Goncalo Ramos may remain United’s leading striker targets. But, with all three valued in the region of £100 million and above, Erik ten Hag and co are reportedly scouring the market for more affordable alternatives too.
Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, for instance.
The Mirror, meanwhile, believe that Man United sent scouts to watch Feyenoord duo Orkun Kokcu and the aforementioned Gimenez during Feyenoord’s recent Der Klassiker clash with Ajax.
Gimenez, a 21-year-old Mexico international, is the Eredivisie leaders’ 20-goal top scorer. He recently became the first El Tri star since Old Trafford favourite Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez to break the 20-goal barrier this side of the Atlantic, Gimenez benefitting immensely from working alongside another former United striker at De Kuip.
Robin van Persie is a coach at Feyenoord these days.
Man United like Feyenoord’s Orkun Kokcu and Santiago Gimenez
Gimenez’s father, meanwhile, believes another season in the Netherlands may be for the best; Feyenoord coach Arne Slot himself pointing out that the forward still has a lot to learn.
But if United were to stump up a bid of £25 million, Feyenoord may be powerless to prevent his departure.
“It becomes difficult to say ‘no’ when a club comes along with thirty million euros. It is also a revenue model for Feyenoord and for Dutch clubs in general,” Christian Gimenez tells ESPN.
Even Ajax, the country’s most deep-pocketed club were forced to sell both Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Man United last summer. Tyrell Malacia, meanwhile, arrived from Gimenez’s Feyenoord.
“I would love it if he stayed with Feyenoord for another year,” Gimenez Sr adds. “To develop even further.
“We intend to talk to (technical director) Dennis te Kloese. Santi has a contract. What (Te Kloese) does not want is 40 to 50 percent of the team to leave. We are calm, he is happy with Feyenoord .
“(There is) nothing concrete yet (regarding a move away from De Kuip).”
Gimenez, an instinctive and intelligent finisher, has been a revelation since arriving at Feyenoord from Cruz Azul. He credits Van Persie for improving his decision making in the final third.
“In the U17 and U20 teams, I shot from all angles and positions,” Gimenez explains. “Van Persie helped me in many small details.
“For example, turning away from the defender to get at the keeper quickly. (Van Persie also improved) my ball control and (my ability to) shoot on goal in less than three seconds.”
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