AC Milan has banished Santiago Giménez from the first-team squad alongside teammates Fikayo Tomori and Youssouf Fofana, according to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport published on August 27, 2026. The Italian club has made it clear that the former Feyenoord striker has no future at San Siro and will not see any playing time even if he remains in Milan after the transfer window closes.
Transfer Standoff and Training Exile at AC Milan
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the trio has been left off the squad list for the start of the Serie A season. If a permanent transfer or loan deal cannot be finalized before the deadline, the affected players must train entirely away from the main group. AC Milan hopes this strict measure will force an exit and create immediate clarity regarding their long-term futures. FootballTransfers reports that Giménez remains under contract until mid-2029, yet his estimated transfer value (ETV) has dropped significantly following a difficult spell in Italy.
FC Porto Negotiations and Valuation Gap
FC Porto has emerged as the primary suitor for the Mexican forward, though negotiations face hurdles over the structure of the deal. Several media outlets report that the Portuguese club wants to secure Giménez on a loan with an option to buy for vijftien miljoen euro. Conversely, AC Milan prefers a mandatory purchase clause set at twintig miljoen euro. FootballTransfers notes that the Italian giants recently rejected a lower proposal and hold out for a higher fee, though they are ultimately willing to accept a substantial financial loss on a player who cost ruim dertig miljoen euro in January 2025.
Decline After a Promising Start in Italy
Giménez joined AC Milan from Feyenoord during the winter transfer window of the 2024/25 season. In his opening months in Serie A, he managed six goals and three assists across 19 league appearances. However, his playing time dwindled steadily as subsequent matches yielded fewer scoring opportunities. FootballTransfers records that his overall tally stands at 37 appearances and seven goals for the club, hampered heavily last season by a severe ankle injury that kept him off the scoresheet in domestic league play.
Did you know? During his prolific spell at Feyenoord, Santiago Giménez netted 65 goals in 105 total appearances for the Rotterdam club before making his high-profile move to Serie A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Santiago Giménez dropped by AC Milan?
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan dropped Giménez, Fikayo Tomori, and Youssouf Fofana from the squad because they no longer fit into the club’s sporting project, prompting management to push for an immediate summer transfer.
Which clubs are trying to sign Santiago Giménez?
FC Porto is in ongoing talks to sign the striker on loan, though negotiations continue over whether the deal will include an optional or mandatory purchase clause, as reported by multiple sports outlets.
How much did AC Milan originally pay for Giménez?
AC Milan acquired the forward from Feyenoord in January 2025 for a reported fee, according to data from FootballTransfers.
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