Why Gimenez determination blocked AC Milan exit this summer

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 11:18 AM ET

Santiago Gimenez was absolutely determined to stay at Milan, claims transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, rejecting Roma and several Turkish teams.

The saga went down to the final day of the summer transfer window, with the Mexico international pushed towards the Stadio Olimpico in an exchange with Artem Dovbyk.

There are a few reasons why it never went through, but the primary cause was Gimenez remaining adamant that he wanted to remain at San Siro.

Gimenez wanted more than 6 months at Milan

He was only signed from Feyenoord on February 3 at a cost of €32m plus up to €3m in add-ons and a sell-on clause.

The striker scored six goals with four assists in 22 competitive appearances for AC Milan, and insists he can win new coach Max Allegri over.

Roma were not the only option, as Romano claims there were also approaches from more than one Turkish club, but the Mexican’s response remained the same.

He had only opened the door slightly when reportedly irritated by the words of director of sport Igli Tare, who confirmed publicly that Milan were discussing the potential exchange with Dovbyk.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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