News Summary:
- The irony of Santiago Gimenez in the January 2026 transfer market, where the striker is being used as a bargaining chip.
- AC Milan plans to include Santiago Gimenez in a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jonathan Burkardt.
- AC Milan is reportedly losing patience with Santiago Gimenez, who has yet to score in Serie A during the 2025/2026 season.
Rancak Media – AC Milan is once again positioning Santiago Gimenez as a crucial bargaining chip in the upcoming 2026 winter transfer market. This time, the Mexican striker could be part of an exchange deal to secure a formidable forward from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Gimenez’s underwhelming performance in AC Milan’s attacking line has left management with little choice but to seek a new striker in the January 2026 window. Despite his struggles, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has consistently fielded “Santi,” as Santiago Gimenez is known, primarily due to a lack of other viable options at the central striker position, even though he remains goalless in the 2025/2026 Serie A season.
This isn’t the first time the Rossoneri have considered using the Mexican international as a “bargaining chip.” During the previous summer transfer window, a similar scenario unfolded when they attempted to bring in AS Roma bomber Artem Dovbyk from Ukraine. However, that move was perceived as unusual given that both strikers were struggling for form, ultimately leading to the collapse of the proposed exchange deal between Dovbyk and Gimenez.
Recent reports from SempreMilan now suggest that the Rossoneri are keen on acquiring Jonathan Burkardt, the promising forward from Eintracht Frankfurt. To facilitate this acquisition, AC Milan’s management plans to include Santiago Gimenez in the transfer agreement.
Santiago Gimenez: The Bargaining Chip
Despite Santiago Gimenez arriving from Feyenoord for approximately €28.5 million (around Rp540 billion) less than a year ago, and signing a long-term contract until 2029, his performances in Serie A have regrettably fallen short of expectations. The Mexican striker has yet to find the back of the net in the league, a significant concern that demands a swift resolution from the club’s hierarchy.
This persistent goal drought, also affecting Christopher Nkunku, has prompted coach Massimiliano Allegri to insist on bolstering the attacking lineup during the upcoming winter transfer window. Consequently, Jonathan Burkardt, the 25-year-old German striker from Eintracht Frankfurt, has re-emerged on the Rossoneri’s radar.
Burkardt, a long-standing target for Milan, has been in scintillating form, boasting an impressive nine goals in just 11 matches. Known for his powerful long-range finishing, the striker is currently valued at around €30 million, or approximately Rp576 billion. Even though Eintracht Frankfurt only recently secured his services, AC Milan is determined to persuade the German club to sanction a move in January 2026. To lower Frankfurt’s asking price, AC Milan is strategically offering Santiago Gimenez as part of the deal.
Beyond Burkardt, discussions have also reopened concerning a potential exchange involving Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma. Previous negotiations for this swap faltered last summer because Roma was insistent on a purchase option for Gimenez. However, with both strikers struggling for consistent form at their respective clubs, these talks have now been reignited. Dovbyk is currently considered Milan’s primary target for the January window.
For Santiago Gimenez, this situation presents a profound irony. The 24-year-old striker, who was envisioned as the spearhead of the team’s attack, has unexpectedly found himself relegated to a mere bargaining chip in Milan’s complex transfer strategies. High expectations had accompanied the Argentinian-born Mexican international, largely due to his exceptional performances for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
During his time at Feyenoord, “Santi” remarkably recorded 64 goals and 13 assists across 104 appearances in all competitions—a truly impressive tally for any striker. Yet, since his highly anticipated move to Serie A, Santi’s scoring prowess seems to have mysteriously evaporated.
(Tribunnews.com/Giri)
Summary
AC Milan plans to use Santiago Gimenez as a bargaining chip in the January 2026 transfer market, aiming to acquire Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jonathan Burkardt. This decision follows Gimenez’s underwhelming performance, as he has yet to score in Serie A during the 2025/2026 season, prompting the club to seek a new forward. Despite his significant transfer fee, Milan’s management is losing patience with the Mexican striker’s goal drought.
Jonathan Burkardt, a long-standing target for Milan, is in strong form with nine goals in 11 matches, and Milan intends to include Gimenez in a deal to lower his €30 million asking price. Discussions have also reopened for a potential exchange involving AS Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, who is considered Milan’s primary target. This situation presents a profound irony for Gimenez, who was a prolific scorer for Feyenoord but has struggled to find the net in Serie A.
