Report: Sunderland interested in major move to sign AC Milan forward | OneFootball

Milan Confront January Dilemma as Premier League Interest Grows in Gimenez

Milan find themselves at a crossroads, a club momentarily lifted by an emotional derby win yet shadowed by the lingering uncertainty of their attacking department. As they returned to Milanello after a brief pause, preparations for the clash with Lazio began with a familiar concern: the likely absence of Santiago Gimenez, a forward whose Milan story has veered from early optimism to prolonged unease.

This is a moment where performance demands collide with the realities of player fitness and confidence. And increasingly, the January window looks like the arena where Milan must seek clarity.

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Injury Concerns Continue to Shape Gimenez’s Season

Gimenez has endured months of discomfort due to a persistent right ankle issue, a problem serious enough to prompt his decision to focus entirely on recovery. In November 2025, he spoke openly in a social media post, admitting he had “continued to play despite the pain for the good of the team, but it had increased until it became unsustainable.”

His absence from training continues, extending the run of games missed against Roma, Parma and Inter. The likelihood of him featuring against Lazio remains minimal, with the forward still following a personalised programme in an attempt to regain stability.

The longer this absence stretches, the more shadows gather over his future. His Milan chapter began with expectation when he arrived in January 2025, but form, fitness and confidence have drifted steadily away.

A Striker at a Turning Point

Calciomercato highlight how Gimenez’s difficulties are no longer just physical. The emotional toll has become impossible to ignore. His drought in front of goal has deepened frustration, while the club’s pursuit of a Scudetto push demands a forward capable of sustained impact.

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Massimiliano Allegri has offered vocal backing, but encouragement alone has not reversed the decline. Milan must consider whether they can continue waiting for a revival that may not arrive soon enough. The club need goals, and consistency in this role has been absent.

Gimenez, for his part, still wants to break through, but pressure has grown heavy. His situation has reached what the report describes as “a point of no return.”

Sunderland and Brentford Enter the Frame

The next phase will likely unfold under the guidance of his agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Twelve months after helping engineer his Feyenoord departure, she is again positioned at the centre of negotiations. Her Premier League contacts will be key.

Sunderland have emerged as a serious contender, with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi having explored the possibility last summer. Their ambition and Premier League positioning make them an intriguing destination. Brentford have also been monitoring developments, while interest from Turkey and elsewhere in Europe continues to build.

Milan’s stance is clear: any deal must recoup the €30 million spent a year ago. And crucially, his sale would dictate their ability to recruit a new No 9. Directors Tare and Furlani are aligned in wanting value restored before taking the next step.

January Picture for Milan’s Predicted Lineup

For Milan, the January window threatens to become a recalibration period. Gimenez’s expected departure would naturally influence their predicted lineup and long-term structure. A new striker is essential, not optional. The Scudetto chase demands sharper edges, and the club’s patience has limits.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Sunderland fans, the idea of signing Gimenez feels both thrilling and risky in equal measure. Supporters know the club’s ambition has grown dramatically under Ghisolfi, and the fact that Sunderland are even mentioned alongside Milan and other European clubs shows how far things have moved. The Championship template has been replaced by something much more assertive, much more forward-leaning.

Gimenez’s profile is compelling. A young striker with European experience, a physical presence and a proven scoring touch before injuries derailed him. Supporters have long felt the squad needs a focal point, someone who can turn phases of control into actual goals. In that sense, he fits almost too perfectly.

But there is caution as well. Sunderland fans have lived through expensive gambles, and a player recovering from a long injury lay-off brings risk. The emotional strain he appears to be carrying only adds another layer of unpredictability. That said, the Premier League requires courage, both on the pitch and in recruitment.

If Sunderland are serious about accelerating their trajectory, these are exactly the types of opportunities they must be willing to seize. Fans want the club to keep evolving, keep pushing, keep believing they can compete for talent previously out of reach. Whether Gimenez arrives or not, the fact Sunderland are in the conversation is a signal that the project is alive and growing.