AliousLeeds United’s pursuit of Santiago Gimenez appears to have hit a significant stumbling block, with the club reluctant to meet AC Milan’s hefty valuation for the striker during the winter transfer window.
Reports from Football Insider suggest that Leeds are monitoring the situation of the 24-year-old Mexican international as they look to add more firepower to their attacking options. Strengthening the frontline is a priority for the Whites, and Gimenez has emerged as one of the names under consideration as they assess the January market.
However, any potential move is complicated by AC Milan’s demands. The Serie A side are believed to value Gimenez at between £25 million and £30 million, a figure Leeds are currently unwilling to pay. Despite having won the 2024/25 EFL Championship, the Yorkshire club are keen to remain cautious with their spending and would prefer to explore a short-term loan for a striker rather than commit to a large permanent fee. That approach is unlikely to appeal to Milan in Gimenez’s case.
Gimenez’s time in Italy has not gone as planned since his move from Feyenoord earlier this year. After establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards in the Eredivisie, the Mexican has struggled to replicate that form at the San Siro. Under Massimiliano Allegri, he has gradually slipped down the pecking order and has found consistent minutes hard to come by.
So far this season, Gimenez has featured in 11 matches across all competitions, totalling just 768 minutes. His return of one goal and two assists highlights his limited impact, though his reputation remains strong across the market, keeping him on the radar of several clubs ahead of the winter window.
There is a sense that a move to England could reignite his career. Intermediaries have reportedly sounded out Leeds over a possible deal, and the club’s interest is understandable. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has impressed in recent weeks, head coach Daniel Farke is keen to increase competition and depth in the final third, especially with other attacking options failing to deliver consistently.
Leeds have been linked with several forwards, including Joshua Zirkzee, and Gimenez continues to be viewed as a credible option. Yet Milan’s price tag remains the major obstacle. The Whites are not prepared to spend £25–30 million in January and are expected to stick to their preference for a loan-based solution.
As things stand, that gap in valuation leaves Gimenez’s future uncertain. Leeds remain admirers, but unless Milan soften their stance, a move to Elland Road looks unlikely this winter. Meanwhile, the striker continues to attract attention elsewhere, with clubs such as Sunderland and West Ham United also monitoring his situation.
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