Santiago Gimenez Takes Over Legendary No. 7 After Transfer

The young 23-year-old forward has officially joined AC Milan, stepping in to fill the void left by Alvaro Morata, who has made a transfer to Galatasaray.

Santi Giménez is thrilled to take on the responsibility that comes with wearing AC Milan’s renowned No. 7 jersey after his move from Feyenoord. This pivotal shift in his career promises not only to enhance his personal journey but also to invigorate the fans of AC Milan as they eagerly anticipate the impact he will have on the team.

Morata’s departure to Galatasaray during the January transfer window clearly highlighted the urgent need for AC Milan to strengthen their attacking options. The Spanish forward had established himself as a key player for the Rossoneri, ranking as the team’s third-leading goal-scorer in Serie A, trailing the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic. Given Morata’s impressive contributions, the club understood the necessity of acquiring a capable replacement, which led to the swift signing of Giménez on a four-year deal set to run until 2029. The transfer fee of $35 million reflects AC Milan’s determination to enhance their attacking prowess as they seek success in both domestic and European competitions.

Bestowing the legendary No. 7 jersey upon Giménez is particularly significant, as it symbolizes the weight of history carried by the number. It has previously been worn by some of the most celebrated players in AC Milan’s illustrious past, including Alexandre Pato and Robinho. The likes of AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko, who made a lasting impact during his time with the club, also wore this number, adding even more significance. Other football greats, such as Edgar Davids, Paolo Di Canio, and Carlo Ancelotti, have also graced the pitch in this iconic jersey. For Giménez, wearing this number is not just about representing the club; it’s about stepping into the shoes of legends and bringing his own flair to the role.

Giménez’s performance in the 2023-24 season laid a robust foundation for high expectations. He managed to impress by scoring 26 goals across all competitions, showcasing his potential as a prolific striker. Fans were hopeful that he would carry this momentum into the current season. However, injuries have plagued him, forcing him out of the squad for considerable stretches. Despite these setbacks, he has risen to the occasion, contributing to an outstanding tally of 19 goals in just 19 games. This impressive haul includes 16 goals, seven of which came during his time in the Eredivisie—a testament to his scoring ability. Supporters of the Rossoneri now look towards him with optimism, hoping he can maintain this impressive form throughout the remainder of the season.

As AC Milan prepared for the 2023-24 season, aspirations to contend for the Serie A title were high, based on their commendable performance the previous year. Yet, the journey has been anything but smooth. Managerial instability and a series of other challenges have hindered the team’s progress, leaving them in a troubling eighth place in the league standings. They find themselves a staggering 19 points behind league leaders Napoli and seven points outside the top four positions, a scenario that significantly complicates their ambitions for the season.

With Morata’s departure to Galatasaray, the pressure has intensified on Giménez, who must now assume a leading role within the team. The expectations for his performance are sky-high, as fans look for him to consistently deliver goals that could help restore AC Milan’s status as a competitive force both in Italy and on the European stage. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Giménez and his ability to rise to the occasion, make an impact, and solidify his place in the storied history of AC Milan while also contributing to the revival of the team’s fortunes. His journey with the Rossoneri is just beginning, and the potential for greatness is palpable as fans remain hopeful for a successful campaign ahead.

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