Santiago Gimenez ‘would be wise’ to stay at Feyenoord despite interest from Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
That is according to Willem van Hanegham. The De Kuip legend has seen Gimenez blossom following his summer arrival from Cruz Azul. In fact, no one has scored more goals in all competitions for Arne Slot’s Eredivisie leaders than the Mexican’s 18.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Brighton, Leicester City and West Ham all sent scouts to watch Gimenez and captain Orkun Kokcu during the recent Dutch cup semi-final meeting between Feyenoord and Ajax, per The Mirror.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs, via Mexican publication La Razon.
But Van Hanegham believes that Gimenez, at just 21 and with a single season in European football under his belt, should wait for the right opportunity rather than simply jump at the first one that comes his way.
Should Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez reject a Premier League move?
“Everyone immediately states that (Feyenoord’s best players) are ready for a higher level. But what’s wrong with a second season at Feyenoord? In the Champions League?,” Van Hanegem tells the Algemeen Dagblad.
“Becoming top scorer in the Netherlands, showing that you are really ready for a great club in a major competition? That would be wise, I think.
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“But if he fires Feyenoord past AS Roma, there will certainly be interest.”
In a repeat of last season’s UEFA Conference League final, Feyenoord will take on Jose Mourinho’s Serie A giants in the Europa League quarter-finals this week. Slot’s terrific side smashed Shakhtar Donetsk 7-1 in the previous round, Gimenez scoring one of his five European goals against the Ukrainian outfit at De Kuip.
According to Portuguese reporter Pedro Sepulveda, Feyenoord are likely to demand up to £23 million with Benfica also keen.
“The truth is that I don’t know anything (about a transfer),” Gimenez insists. “I found out through the social networks, but personally I don’t know anything.
“I am happy at Feyenoord. It is also up to the clubs and my family and my personal relationship with God, which determines my path. I believe that the decisions I will make will go through God.
“I haven’t achieved anything yet. I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
In other news, Report shares the fee Leeds must pay for World Cup star Tajon Buchanan
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