Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez has been linked with a move away from Feyenoord in recent months, with Real Madrid and Manchester United keen.
Santiago Gimenez has been outstanding for Dutch champions Feyenoord, and he helped them win the league title last season. Willem van Hanegem has now backed (h/t FR12.nl) the 22-year-old striker to succeed at the top club in the near future.
“He has the qualities to play at the absolute top, in England or Spain,” he said before adding, “It would be great if he plays for Real Madrid or Manchester United. He will only remain at Feyenoord for the time being. Everyone likes him very much; he doesn’t get nervous when he misses an opportunity.”
“He doesn’t get desperate, for example he could have made 15 or 16 already. That’s how you look at him, because he has those qualities. He doesn’t get stuck in it, that’s a sign that things are going well in his head. He remains calm, he knows he will be a top scorer.”
The player has been linked with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs decide to follow up on their interest with a concrete proposal in the coming months. A move midway through the season seems unlikely, and the two clubs might have to wait until the summer transfer window to sign the striker.
Gimenez scored 23 goals across all competitions last season, and he has the ability to step up to the Premier League as well. Manchester United need to bring in attacking reinforcements, especially with Rasmus Hojlund as the only attacking option at their disposal.
Marcus Rashford is more suited to the role of a wide player, and Erik ten Hag should look to bring in another striker. Gimenez certainly has the potential to thrive in the Premier League, and he could be a key player for Manchester United.
Hojlund is still getting to grips with life in the Premier League, and the 20-year-old will need some time to establish himself as a key player for the Red Devils. Gimenez is a much more developed option compared to the Danish international, and he could make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could use a quality striker as well after the departure of Karim Benzema. They need to sign a player who can lead the line for Los Blancos, and the 22-year-old would be a super long-term acquisition.
Gimenez has 12 goals this season and he is a proven goalscorer in the Eredivisie. It remains to be seen whether the clubs can agree on a fee with Feyenoord in the coming months. The opportunity to join clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid can be quite tempting for most players, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
