Report: Sunderland interested in January move to sign AC Milan star | OneFootball

Sunderland monitor Milan striker as January window approaches

Sunderland are emerging as one of the Premier League clubs tracking Santi Gimenez ahead of the January transfer market, as the striker’s future at Milan appears increasingly uncertain, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian outlet paints a picture of a player who, despite professionalism and commitment, has found himself edged out of tactical favour and disrupted by injury at a crucial moment.

The central question being asked is blunt. Will Santi Gimenez be seen again in the red and black shirt? Training kit, yes, certainly. Matchday involvement, far less assured. The forward remains sidelined with an ankle problem and continues to work separately at Milanello as he attempts to recover from what has become an extended absence. His proposed return around the city derby has already slipped, with recovery sessions scheduled “at least until the end of the week” before any rejoining of full training.

Photo IMAGO

He will not feature in the Coppa Italia meeting with Lazio and is unlikely to return for Monday night’s league fixture in Turin. As December fades into January, the timing is uncomfortable for a player already assessing how much space remains for him at the club.

Premier League interest puts Sunderland in frame

Behind the scenes, the transfer narrative has accelerated. Speculation across Italy references growing interest from Premier League sides, with West Ham and Sunderland specifically noted as potential suitors. Gazzetta emphasise that no formal bids have yet arrived on Milan’s table, but the awareness of genuine interest has shifted the landscape.

Gimenez’s representative, Rafaela Pimenta, attempted to dampen rumours in comments given to ESPN.

“If the Premier League wants him, it doesn’t surprise me. That there are one, two or three clubs interested seems normal, but the idea that he leaves Milan does not exist. All the facts, the messages, the words I have had from Milan have always been positive. There has not been a single moment in which Milan told me something was wrong. Every time the press talks too much, I call Milan, and Milan always replies: ‘No, we are calm, everything is fine, thank you’.”

Yet beneath those assurances lies a reality that has shifted considerably since the summer, when Gimenez chose to stay despite uncertain guarantees over minutes. Tactical priorities have since stabilised. Leao is now the preferred striker, Pulisic has emerged as the primary goal threat, and Nkunku occupies the role of first alternative. In this structure, Gimenez increasingly struggles to find meaningful opportunities.

Photo IMAGO

Tactical shifts reshape striker pathway

Gazzetta outline the tactical reasoning clearly. Allegri has prioritised mobile forward play, seeking players who remove reference points for defenders, favouring speed in counter attacking transitions rather than physical presence in the area or hold up play.

This evolution squeezes Gimenez’s natural strengths. The forward requires continuity and confidence to rebuild rhythm, yet the current setup restricts both. Prior to his injury, he worked diligently, even stepping in as a starter when Leao and Pulisic were unavailable. His performances were deemed generous and committed, but output never matched effort.

Excluding his Coppa Italia goal against Lecce, he failed to score across nine Serie A appearances and 627 minutes of involvement.

Fitness concerns compound January crossroads

The turning point arrived during Atalanta v Milan on 28 October 2025, when Gimenez was substituted after 62 minutes following worsening ankle pain. Soon after, he offered a candid statement via social media.

“For several months I have been playing with an ankle injury that hasn’t allowed me to be at 100%, nor to feel comfortable on the pitch. I continued to help the team with determination, I kept playing, but the pain increased and the time has come to stop. I hope to return as soon as possible.”

Photo IMAGO

The sentiment reinforced how physical limitation may have contributed to both his reduced scoring and confidence. Despite this, supporters at San Siro rarely expressed frustration toward him, appreciating his commitment even when goals proved elusive. However, the mood has hardened as Milan now unexpectedly lead the table and ambition has sharpened. Under title pressure, patience for non scoring forwards inevitably wanes.

For Gimenez, that creates the most uncomfortable of conditions, pressure rising as opportunities diminish.

Milan invested €28.5m plus bonuses when signing him from Feyenoord in January 2025. With reinvestment now a priority and different tactical needs emerging, evaluating offers has become pragmatic rather than emotional. Sunderland’s name appearing among the interested parties signals how opportunities could align, a Premier League club seeking power and presence, and a striker craving guaranteed trust.

As January nears, the crossroads is unmistakable. Sunderland wait on the sidelines, while Milan weigh sporting fit against financial logic amid a shifting tactical landscape.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Promotion has brought a renewed appetite for signings that add not just quality but statement. Pursuing a forward recently valued at over €28m instantly signals serious intent. Fans understand the need for Premier League adaptation, yet Gimenez profiles as the type of striker who could translate quickly.

Supporters would appreciate his perseverance through injury and the humility shown in his public comments. That sort of character resonates strongly on Wearside, where effort is judged just as much as goals. A striker eager for minutes and trust feels aligned with the spirit of a newly promoted club fighting for stability rather than glamour.

There would also be excitement about providing service to a natural penalty box presence. Sunderland have often lacked a reliable focal point capable of occupying centre backs and finishing crosses consistently. Gimenez could provide that platform, bringing tactical variety to a front line that has leaned toward mobility rather than power.

Concerns would remain around fitness. Any move must hinge on medical clarity, as fans have seen how risky injuries can derail promising signings. Yet if healthy, supporters would view him as a potential landmark acquisition, offering credibility to Sunderland’s Premier League return.

In truth, fans would welcome the ambition. Whether a loan or permanent deal, backing the club to chase this opportunity would strengthen belief that Sunderland intend to compete rather than merely survive.