Talks between AC Milan and Porto over Santiago Giménez have entered a more decisive phase. There are now direct contacts between the two clubs to define the terms of the Mexican striker’s transfer. Giménez arrived in Milan in January 2023 for approximately €30 million, a deal handled at the time with the involvement of Zlatan Ibrahimović and then-sporting director Frédéric Massara.
Giménez’s Journey at Milan
The Mexican striker’s time at the Rossoneri has been far from straightforward. His first six months, between early 2023 and mid-2024, were mixed: flashes of quality alongside clear difficulties in adapting to Italian football. Last season was then disrupted by a significant injury that compromised his campaign and made it harder to draw firm conclusions about his potential in Serie A. That said, the 2001-born forward remains a player with considerable physical and technical attributes.
The Key Sticking Point: Loan or Permanent Deal?
The main friction between Milan and Porto concerns the structure of the deal. Milan would prefer to include a mandatory purchase clause triggered by certain conditions, ensuring guaranteed income. Porto, on the other hand, are pushing for a loan with an option to buy — potentially obligatory under specific circumstances — to retain greater financial flexibility.
This disagreement is the primary obstacle to completing the deal. It is no minor detail: a loan without a fixed obligation leaves Milan exposed to the risk of Giménez returning to Milanello after a year, potentially less valuable than when he left — a scenario that has played out before with other operations.
For more background on this story, check out our earlier piece: Santiago Giménez in Porto’s Sights: Is the Mexican Striker Heading for the Exit at Milan?
The Player Has Said Yes to Porto
On the personal side, the situation already appears settled: according to the latest reports, Giménez has expressed his willingness to join Porto. The Portuguese club have been courting him for some time, and the striker is said to have welcomed the approach, viewing the move as a genuine opportunity to rediscover consistency and form that he was unable to fully show at Milan.
If Giménez Leaves, Milan Must Act in the Market
A potential Giménez departure would place the club in a difficult tactical position. Milan’s current attacking options are built around Gonzalo Ramos, Francesco Camarda and a handful of young profiles. Facing a full season across Serie A, Europa League and Coppa Italia with such a thin attack would represent a significant risk. Should the Mexican striker depart, the Rossoneri would have a clear sporting obligation to bring in at least one experienced, ready-made centre-forward to fill the void.
