A forward who toppled one of Luis Suarez’s most legendary goal-scoring records may soon have the perfect opportunity to seek retribution against Tottenham Hotspur. Santiago Gimenez, the talented striker from Feyenoord, sent shockwaves through the football world in 2023 when he netted an incredible 31 goals in a single calendar year. This remarkable achievement not only showcased his lethal finishing but also broke the long-standing record of 30 goals set by Suarez during his spell at Ajax back in 2009.
Gimenez’s prolific form naturally caught the attention of several top clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur being one of the most prominent suitors. Earlier this year, Spurs fans were abuzz with excitement when rumors began circulating that the North London club was seriously considering a move for the Mexican international. The speculation reached fever pitch when Gimenez was spotted in the stands at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during one of the most high-stakes matches of the season—the North London derby. Despite a valiant effort, Ange Postecoglou’s side suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal, but the presence of Gimenez fueled hopes that a transfer deal was on the verge of being finalized.
However, in a twist that surprised many, Tottenham’s interest in Gimenez seemed to evaporate almost as quickly as it had appeared. Just days after the derby, reports emerged that Spurs had decided to pursue other options, leaving Gimenez’s potential move to the Premier League in limbo. Instead, Tottenham shifted their focus to Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, eventually securing his services for a hefty £65 million fee. The acquisition of Solanke was met with both excitement and relief among the Spurs faithful, as the club sought to bolster its attacking options following a season where injuries and inconsistencies plagued their forward line.
But the story doesn’t end there. As the summer transfer window progresses, Santiago Gimenez might still find his way to the Premier League—albeit not in the colors of Tottenham Hotspur. Nottingham Forest, a club known for its ambitious transfer moves, has reportedly set its sights on the Feyenoord star. If Forest were to pull off this audacious signing, it would not only be a statement of intent from the Midlands club but also set up a tantalizing scenario where Gimenez could face Tottenham on the pitch, giving him the chance to prove what they missed out on.
Should Nottingham Forest successfully negotiate a deal with Feyenoord, Gimenez would have at least two opportunities to square off against Spurs in the Premier League. These matches would undoubtedly carry an added layer of intrigue, as the prolific 23-year-old forward could potentially haunt the club that once considered him a prime target. According to Transfermarkt, Gimenez is currently valued at around £34 million, a figure that reflects his rising stock in European football. However, it’s still unclear what amount would be enough to convince Feyenoord to part with their star striker, especially considering his contract at the Dutch club runs until 2027.
Gimenez, for his part, has expressed both contentment and ambition regarding his future. In a recent interview with Rijnmond, he spoke candidly about his situation at Feyenoord and the possibility of a move. “If there is an opportunity that compares to Feyenoord, then I have to look at it,” Gimenez said. “After that, we’ll see. I’m an ambitious person, but I’m still here and I have a contract. I’ll do my best for the club until the last day I’m here.”
He went on to emphasize his commitment to the club while also acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with a career in football. “The only one who knows whether I am ready for the next step or not is God,” he added. “He determines my future and whether I am ready for it. I have told Dennis (Feyenoord chief executive Dennis te Kloese) and Brian (Feyenoord head coach Brian Priske) that they do not have to worry about my focus.”
Meanwhile, back at Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou has been full of praise for the club’s successful capture of Dominic Solanke. The Australian manager, known for his direct and pragmatic approach, spoke highly of the qualities Solanke brings to the team in a recent press conference. “He (Solanke) was obviously one I was very keen to get in. It took a while to get it over the line, but I think he will be a great fit for us in terms of the player he is and the point of his career where he is at,” Postecoglou said. His words reflected the importance of this signing in the context of Tottenham’s ambitions for the coming season.
Postecoglou also touched on the need to strengthen the squad, particularly in the attacking third, highlighting that Solanke possesses attributes that have been missing, especially during periods when key players like Richarlison were sidelined. “We identified him because he has the attributes we are looking for in terms of our position,” Postecoglou explained. “He gives us some things we probably have been missing in the last 12 months, particularly when Richarlison was out last year. When Richy played, he was very effective for us, it was quite evident when he was out we didn’t really have a player who can make the impact Dom can in the final third and just with his general play. So I think he will be a good fit for us.”
As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, the possibility of Santiago Gimenez joining Nottingham Forest adds a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming Premier League season. Should the move materialize, all eyes will be on the potential clash between Gimenez and Tottenham Hotspur—a fixture that could see the striker deliver a powerful reminder of what might have been for the North London club. Whether Gimenez stays at Feyenoord or embarks on a new challenge, his story is one that will be closely followed by football fans across the globe.
