Sunderland Plotting Winter Move For This AC Milan Hitman: Why Le Bris Must Make The Call | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Italian outlet CalcioMercato is believed to be true, Sunderland are keeping close tabs on Santiago Gimenez ahead of a potential January move. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Premier League rivals Brentford also monitoring the situation of the AC Milan centre-forward.

The 24-year-old Mexico international progressed through Cruz Azul’s academy ranks back in his homeland before breaking into their first-team squad as a teenager. He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Liga MX outfit, but eventually secured a €6m transfer to Feyenoord in the summer of 2022.

Gimenez was an instant success at De Kuip, as his exquisite scoring record under Arne Slot helped the Rotterdam side clinch the 2022-23 Eredivisie silverware and the 2023-24 KNVB Cup. Slot left for Liverpool ahead of the 2024-25 season to succeed Jurgen Klopp, and the Mexican plied his trade in Italy with AC Milan earlier this year for a fee of around €32m.

Why AC Milan Could Listen To Offers

Despite finishing the season strongly with 6 goals in 19 appearances, the Rossoneri centre-forward has struggled so far under Massimiliano Allegri. He has not found the net in 9 Serie A outings, and the club are now exploring the market, having shortlisted Franculino Djú, Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic, and the legendary Robert Lewandowski among attacking targets.

BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan competes for the ball with Isak Hien of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan’s priority remains to bring in a centre-back before shifting their focus to a ‘number 9’. Gimenez is also determined to prove his worth donning the Red and Blacks, but the situation might change quickly if the Black Cats table an ambitious offer.

Sunderland had a busy summer, as they spent close to £200m since scripting a dramatic Premier League return. They initially brought in Marc Guiu on a season-long loan, but Chelsea’s decision to recall the youngster forced them to snap up Brian Brobbey on the summer deadline day.

Why Sunderland Would Benefit From Gimenez’s Arrival

However, Regis Le Bris has relied on Wilson Isidor, who has netted four goals while spearheading the attack. Eliezer Mayenda has also impressed in limited minutes, but the transition from Championship to Premier League could be strenuous for the duo deep into the campaign. Brobbey has shown some sparks of late, particularly against Arsenal by netting an injury-time equaliser. Nevertheless, the management might continue their spending spree, not only to retain their top-flight status but also to fight for a European spot.

Gimenez is known as a targetman with the traditional ‘fox-in-the-box’ attribute. His sense of positioning, movement and poaching traits would boost the Wearsiders, who have often relied on the crossing game from midfield and the flanks.