Sunderland monitor Milan striker as January window approaches
Sunderland are rising as one of many Premier League golf equipment monitoring Santi Gimenez forward of the January switch market, because the striker’s future at Milan seems more and more unsure, in accordance with . The Italian outlet paints an image of a participant who, regardless of professionalism and dedication, has discovered himself edged out of tactical favour and disrupted by harm at an important second.
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The central query being requested is blunt. Will Santi Gimenez be seen once more within the crimson and black shirt? Coaching equipment, sure, definitely. Matchday involvement, far much less assured. The ahead stays sidelined with an ankle downside and continues to work individually at Milanello as he makes an attempt to recuperate from what has turn into an prolonged absence. His proposed return across the metropolis derby has already slipped, with restoration periods scheduled “no less than till the tip of the week” earlier than any rejoining of full coaching.
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He won’t characteristic within the Coppa Italia assembly with Lazio and is unlikely to return for Monday evening’s league fixture in Turin. As December fades into January, the timing is uncomfortable for a participant already assessing how a lot area stays for him on the membership.
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Premier League curiosity places Sunderland in body
Behind the scenes, the switch narrative has accelerated. Hypothesis throughout Italy references rising curiosity from Premier League sides, with West Ham and Sunderland particularly famous as potential suitors. Gazzetta emphasise that no formal bids have but arrived on Milan’s desk, however the consciousness of real curiosity has shifted the panorama.
Gimenez’s consultant, Rafaela Pimenta, tried to dampen rumours in feedback given to ESPN.
“If the Premier League needs him, it doesn’t shock me. That there are one, two or three golf equipment appears regular, however the concept that he leaves Milan doesn’t exist. All of the information, the messages, the phrases I’ve had from Milan have at all times been optimistic. There has not been a single second during which Milan instructed me one thing was improper. Each time the press talks an excessive amount of, I name Milan, and Milan at all times replies: ‘No, we’re calm, every little thing is ok, thanks’.”
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But beneath these assurances lies a actuality that has shifted significantly for the reason that summer season, when Gimenez selected to remain regardless of unsure ensures over minutes. Tactical priorities have since stabilised. Leao is now the popular striker, Pulisic has emerged as the first objective menace, and Nkunku occupies the function of first different. On this construction, Gimenez more and more struggles to search out significant alternatives.
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Tactical shifts reshape striker pathway
Gazzetta define the tactical reasoning clearly. Allegri has prioritised cellular ahead play, in search of gamers who take away reference factors for defenders, favouring velocity in counter attacking transitions relatively than bodily presence within the space or maintain up play.
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This evolution squeezes Gimenez’s pure strengths. The ahead requires continuity and confidence to rebuild rhythm, but the present setup restricts each. Previous to his harm, he labored diligently, even stepping in as a starter when Leao and Pulisic had been unavailable. His performances had been deemed beneficiant and dedicated, however output by no means matched effort.
Excluding his Coppa Italia objective towards Lecce, he failed to attain throughout 9 Serie A appearances and 627 minutes of involvement.
Health issues compound January crossroads
The turning level arrived throughout Atalanta v Milan on 28 October 2025, when Gimenez was substituted after 62 minutes following worsening ankle ache. Quickly after, he supplied a candid assertion by way of social media.
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“For a number of months I’ve been taking part in with an ankle harm that hasn’t allowed me to be at 100%, nor to really feel comfy on the pitch. I continued to assist the group with willpower, I saved taking part in, however the ache elevated and the time has come to cease. I hope to return as quickly as attainable.”
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The sentiment bolstered how bodily limitation could have contributed to each his decreased scoring and confidence. Regardless of this, supporters at San Siro hardly ever expressed frustration towards him, appreciating his dedication even when targets proved elusive. Nevertheless, the temper has hardened as Milan now unexpectedly lead the desk and ambition has sharpened. Beneath title stress, endurance for non scoring forwards inevitably wanes.
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For Gimenez, that creates essentially the most uncomfortable of situations, stress rising as alternatives diminish.
Milan invested €28.5m plus bonuses when signing him from Feyenoord in January 2025. With reinvestment now a precedence and totally different tactical wants rising, evaluating provides has turn into pragmatic relatively than emotional. Sunderland’s identify showing among the many events indicators how alternatives may align, a Premier League membership in search of energy and presence, and a striker craving assured belief.
As January nears, the crossroads is unmistakable. Sunderland wait on the sidelines, whereas Milan weigh sporting match towards monetary logic amid a shifting tactical panorama.
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Promotion has introduced a renewed urge for food for signings that add not simply high quality however assertion. Pursuing a ahead lately valued at over €28m immediately indicators severe intent. Followers perceive the necessity for Premier League adaptation, but Gimenez profiles as the kind of striker who may translate shortly.
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Supporters would admire his perseverance via harm and the humility proven in his public feedback. That kind of character resonates strongly on Wearside, the place effort is judged simply as a lot as targets. A striker longing for minutes and belief feels aligned with the spirit of a newly promoted membership combating for stability relatively than glamour.
There would even be pleasure about offering service to a pure penalty field presence. Sunderland have typically lacked a dependable point of interest able to occupying centre backs and ending crosses constantly. Gimenez may present that platform, bringing tactical selection to a entrance line that has leaned towards mobility relatively than energy.
Considerations would stay round health. Any transfer should hinge on medical readability, as followers have seen how dangerous accidents can derail promising signings. But if wholesome, supporters would view him as a possible landmark acquisition, providing credibility to Sunderland’s Premier League return.
In fact, followers would welcome the ambition. Whether or not a mortgage or everlasting deal, backing the membership to chase this chance would strengthen perception that Sunderland intend to compete relatively than merely survive.