Santiago Giménez is set to leave AC Milan. The Mexican striker, who arrived at the club in January 2025 for around €30 million from Feyenoord, is on the verge of joining Porto on loan with an option to buy. Talks are in an advanced stage: the player has already reached a full agreement on personal terms with the Portuguese club, and Milan are working through the final contractual details to complete the deal as quickly as possible.
A Transfer That Brings No Immediate Revenue
The loan formula means that, at least for now, Milan will receive no transfer fee from the striker’s departure. A difficult pill to swallow given the initial investment made to bring him to Italy. The deal will be recorded as a temporary transfer, with a potential buy option that, if triggered, would allow the club to recoup part of their original outlay.
Why the Milan Spell Never Clicked
Signed with high expectations, Giménez never managed to perform consistently in Serie A. Several factors weighed heavily on his experience: the physical problems that repeatedly limited his availability, the positional changes demanded by the various coaches who took charge during his spell, and a tactical environment that was never truly tailored to his strengths. The result is that the Mexican striker — one of the most prolific forwards in European football before arriving in Italy — never managed to find the net regularly in the league. A story that underlines how, in modern football, context matters every bit as much as individual talent.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on Porto
Porto represents a genuine opportunity for Giménez to rediscover his best form. The Portuguese league, arguably better suited to his physical and technical profile than Serie A, could be the right stage for him to return to the level that once made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. As previously reported on these pages, the Porto option had already surfaced in recent weeks: we are now at the execution stage. Milan will follow the striker’s progress from afar, hopeful that the loan could turn into a mutually beneficial permanent deal.
Milan Free Up a Significant Wage
Beyond the technical considerations, Giménez’s departure allows the club to reduce their wage bill and free up an attacking slot for potential further signings. The Rossoneri management has already demonstrated with the purchase of Gonçalo Ramos that they want to build the attack around different profiles, and the Mexican’s exit fits neatly into this wider renewal strategy.
