MEXICO
Santiago Giménez transfer update: West Ham interested in striker
The 22-year-old has already struck 20 goals this season for Feyenoord and could move to the Premier League this month.
Mexican forward Santiago Giménez is receiving interest from the Premier League with West Ham United reportedly tracking the 22-year-old.
Giménez has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 20 goals in 22 games for the reigning Eredivisie champions. The Times reports that West Ham are considering a move for Giménez this month but the Dutch club are eager to keep him until the summer.
The Mexican international scored 31 Eredivisie goals in 2023 and was named Man of the Year in the Netherlands. Feyenoord are currently second in the table but find themselves ten points adrift of PSV Eindhoven, who have won all 16 of their league fixtures this season.
West Ham look to bolster attacking options
David Moyes’ side secured a famous UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last season and are flying high in the Premier League again. They currently sit sixth in England but face a number of key absences in attacking areas.
Mohammed Kudus is representing Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations and Michail Antonio has not featured since mid-November with a knee complaint. Lucas Paquetá and Jarrod Bowen are also both sidelined due to injury. With back-up striker Danny Ings rumored to be close to a move away from the London Stadium, West Ham have turned their attention to a proven goalscorer in Giménez.
A move to West Ham would see him link up with compatriot Edson Álvarez, who signed for the Hammers last summer. Álvarez has impressed since his arrival in the Premier League and has become an important cog in the West Ham midfield, helping to ease the loss of former club captain Declan Rice to Arsenal.
Giménez attracting attention from top European clubs
West Ham are considering a move for Giménez but they may face competition from some of the biggest names in European soccer. The market for all-round strikers is particularly hot at the moment with a number of top clubs lacking a dedicated number nine.
In November AS USA reported that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have sent scouts to the Netherlands to watch Giménez in action. Feyenoord managing director Dennis te Kloese confirmed that they are among a number of clubs from Spain, England and Italy who are tracking the striker.
Earlier this season Chelsea were also interested in the Mexico star as they look to address their issues in front of goal. However Giménez is highly rated within his current club and Feyenoord will not let him go cheaply.
“He’s a very dedicated player,” Te Kloese told AS USA. “His development has been ahead of schedule; it’s been surprising. He has settled in very quickly - we’re extremely happy with Santi. The sky’s the limit for him.”